Breaking: Cruise Passenger Goes Missing at Sea—Live Updates on the High-Stakes Search

Urgent search underway for missing cruise passenger Ann Evans, 55, who vanished during a Holland America Line Caribbean voyage aboard the MS Rotterdam. Sint Maarten police say Evans disembarked for a guided island bus tour around 10 a.m. on 20 November, stepped off the vehicle in Marigot on the French side of St. Martin, and never returned to the coach—or to the ship—before departure. Authorities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island have launched a joint search-and-rescue operation, canvassing beaches, local hospitals, and popular tourist routes while circulating a missing-person alert featuring Evans’ photo and last-known clothing description. Police urge anyone who may have seen the gray-haired American tourist since 20 November to call the KPSM tip line immediately. Holland America Line confirmed the disappearance, stating that ship officials alerted local law enforcement “within minutes” of realizing Evans had not scanned back aboard. Company representatives say they are “working closely with regional authorities and providing support to the guest’s family,” stressing that the Rotterdam’s itinerary—an intensive 12-day round-trip sailing from Fort Lauderdale—continues as scheduled while the investigation unfolds. The cruise had already visited the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Tobago, Barbados, and Puerto Rico before docking in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Maritime experts note that island day trips, where travelers split from organized tours, account for a significant share of “missing cruise passenger” cases each year. Under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, U.S.-flagged lines must report such incidents to the FBI; six American passengers were recorded missing through the first three quarters of 2025, according to federal data. Evans’ disappearance follows a string of high-profile cases—including an overboard incident on a Disney cruise in the South Pacific earlier this week—rekindling debate about onboard surveillance, gangway tracking, and guest-safety briefings. Consumer advocates recommend that cruisers travel with companions, share real-time location data via smartphone, and keep ship contact numbers on hand whenever exploring ports independently. Anyone with information on Ann Evans’ whereabouts—even a casual sighting—should contact Sint Maarten police (+1 721-542-2222), the French Gendarmerie, or Holland America Line’s guest assistance desk. As the crucial 48-hour window closes, family members are pleading for fresh leads that could help bring the missing cruise passenger home safely.