Virginia Tech Student Lost At Sea After Falling Off Cruise Ship
GREAT ABACO ISLAND, BAHAMAS – Cameron Smook of Glen Allen, a senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in mining and minerals engineering at Virginia Tech went missing from a cruise ship over the weekend.
The US Coast Guard has suspended the search for Smook, who fell off the Carnival Glory near the Bahamas on Sunday March 8th, 2015.
The fall overboard was captured on camera footage according to Carnival Cruise Lines.
A second cruise ship deviated course to join in the search, along with the Coast Guard and several other ships near the Bahamas but Smook’s body has not been found.
Virginia Tech released the following statement from the family of Cameron Smook:
“Our son, Cameron Smook, and several of his friends departed from Miami on Saturday, March 7 aboard the Carnival Glory for a Caribbean cruise.
On Sunday morning, March 8 we were notified by Carnival Cruise Line officials that Cameron had accidentally fallen overboard during the night and was missing at sea.
The United States Coast Guard was notified and began search and rescue efforts. After conducting an extensive air and sea search these efforts were suspended last evening pending further developments. We thank the Coast Guard for their outstanding service and for keeping us informed throughout this ordeal.
Cameron, 21 years of age, is a graduate of Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, Virginia, and was scheduled to graduate from Virginia Tech this spring with a degree in Mining Engineering. He thoroughly enjoyed his experiences at Virginia Tech, had just accepted an employment offer, and was looking forward to a very bright future.
Our family sincerely appreciates your continued prayers and support at this most difficult time. We also request privacy and ask not to be contacted by members of the media.
Memorial service details will be shared at a later date.”
The Smook Family
The senior cruise director of Carnival Cruise Lines, John Heald, posted the following comment on Facebook on March 8:
“Earlier this morning, a 21-year-old male guest was reported missing on Carnival Glory and a review of camera footage confirmed a man overboard. The ship is currently en route to the location where it was at the time the individual was last seen on the camera footage and will commence search and rescue operations upon arrival. Authorities have been notified including U.S. Coast Guard which is launching a search and rescue operation as well. The ship is presently near the Bahamas.
The company’s Care Team is providing support to the guest’s traveling companions. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and concern for the family and loved ones of our missing guest.”
