7 News were the first to report that he jumped. A 73-year-old man has died after he reportedly jumped overboard from the Disney Wonder cruise ship this weekend.
The man, from Melbourne, Australia, is believed to have “jumped” from the cruise ship yesterday morning (22nd November, 2025) as the Disney Wonder was heading towards Auckland.
A desperate search was launched as crew (including Cast Members) searched the water for roughly five hours before announcing they had been unable to find the 73-year-old.
The Disney Wonder turned around in the Tasman Sea as search and rescue efforts were carried out with the use of thermal imaging cameras.
It is believed that the man fell from the ship about 4:30am, however, passengers first noticed the change in course hours later. Passenger Mitch Talbot told 7News;
“The captain came on and updated the boat and basically stated that there was someone, a passenger had fallen overboard…[but] that they were unable to find them.”
Mitch Talbot
Talbot added, “It was quite sombre and it was just a bit eerie for the rest of the day. A lot of the staff kind of took some time.”
Victoria Police said on Sunday that the man’s body had not yet been recovered. “The death is not being treated as suspicious,” the force said in a statement.
The Disney Wonder continued on its journey and passengers are set to reach New Zealand on Wednesday (one day later). Stay tuned for further updates.
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H/T The Mirror, 7 News
