A 27-year old Indian crew member, died after falling off the cruise ship and was identified after his body washed up on a beach in Florida. 

Cliford Minej was working on Holland America Line cruise ship. His body, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, drifted ashore near Clearwater Beach in Florida and was spotted by people walking on the beach. 

Holland America MS Ryndam, came to port in Tampa last Sunday and police believe that the crew member fell off the ship that morning. 

His family, was informed of his disappearance via email on the same day, by the Holland America Line (HAL). The email mentioned that a search operation was launched for Clifford who was believed to have been spotted on the cruise's closed circuit television (CCTV) entering his room on December 20. Clifford had joined the 'Ryndam' on December 6 as a cook.

Multiple area law enforcement agencies searched land and sea and the Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Minej's death accidental. 

According to a statement from Holland America Line, the ship was at the end of a 14-day trip to the Caribbean. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our crew members and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time," the statement said.