CBS New York morning director witnesses fellow passenger fall off cruise ship near Dominican Republic
NEW YORK -- One of our regular morning directors is on vacation this week but couldn't seem to get away from breaking news.
Rita Chigas was aboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship near the Dominican Republic when a fellow passenger fell off a balcony and into the ocean.
She said the ship's crew threw flares and a life preserver, and the ship turned around. A lifeboat went out, and the woman was rescued and back onboard about 40 minutes later -- to the cheers of her fellow passengers.
Royal Caribbean says its care team is now assisting the passenger and her traveling party.
"On Sunday, June 25, a guest went overboard on Mariner of the Seas. The ship and crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities and began searching for the guest," the cruise line said in a statement. "Thankfully, the guest was successfully recovered and was brought on board. Our Care team is now offering assistance and support to them and their traveling party. Out of privacy for the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share."