The search for a crew member who went overboard from the cruise ship Norwegian Viva has been officially suspended, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed to Cruise Radio.

The missing crew member has been identified as Vinshar, a 38-year-old chef from Kozhikode, India. The incident was reported on April 9, while the ship was sailing near Costa Maya, Mexico during a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise that departed from Galveston.

According to the cruise line, a man overboard alert was initiated after the crew member was reported missing. The ship immediately turned around to begin search operations and notified the Mexican Rescue Coordination Centre. Norwegian Viva remained in the area for approximately two hours assisting with the search before being cleared by authorities to continue its voyage. Coordinated efforts involving local authorities and other vessels continued, but no trace was found, and the search was suspended on April 11.

Additional details shared by sources familiar with the situation indicate the crew member was working in the galley and was last seen on April 9 near Deck 8, outside the Bistro where he was assigned. Surveillance review reportedly showed him at the railing at around 3:45 pm, approximately two hours after the ship departed Costa Maya.

He was not immediately reported missing, with concerns raised after he failed to report for his 5:00 shift. A full onboard search was conducted, including his cabin, before CCTV footage confirmed a man overboard incident.

The circumstances surrounding the case remain under investigation, and officials have not confirmed further details.

Manorama News released this photo of the missing crew member.

The same News outlet interviewed the crew member’s brother who said the cruise line called his wife to inform her about the disappearance at around 8 pm on Friday. His brother was working on NCL cruise ships for the past six years and had transferred to Norwegian Viva in December. His brother said that he had some difficulties at his new job and that he had booked a ticket to return home on the 16th as he did not want to continue there.