A 69-year-old American passenger was found dead aboard a cruise ship sailing off the coast of Chania (Hania) on Wednesday, prompting an investigation by Greek port authorities.
The incident occurred around midday aboard a Malta-flagged cruise ship, according to the Chania Port Authority, local media reported. The man was found unconscious on the deck and was immediately taken to the vessel’s infirmary, where medical staff confirmed his death.
The passenger’s body was transferred to a hospital in the port city of Rethymno for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The port authority has launched a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case adds to a series of incidents involving cruise ship passengers in Greek waters in recent months, as authorities continue to manage rising tourist flows and increased maritime traffic during the summer season. Recent cases reported around the country have included onboard medical emergencies, passenger deaths and rescue operations involving cruise vessels visiting popular island destinations.
