Warwick Tollemache identified as man who fell off Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas ship
Australian man who fell overboard from a cruise ship is identified as his heartbroken family speak out after the search to find him is suspended: ‘Kind and beautiful soul’
The family of an Australian man who went overboard from a cruise ship earlier this week has paid a heartbreaking tribute hours after the search was called off.
Brisbane man Warwick Tollemache, 35, has been named as the man who fell from the Quantum of the Seas ship some 900 miles south of the Hawaiian Islands late Tuesday evening local time.
The search for the missing man resumed the following day as the Royal Caribbean-operated ship, which departed Brisbane 16 days ago, headed for its final destination, Honolulu.
Mr Tollemache’s shattered family has paid tribute after the US Coast Guard suspended the search on Friday morning Australian time.
Brisbane man Warwick Tollemache has been credited as the man who went overboard from a cruise ship
“Our family is heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Warwick,” his family said in a statement.
“He was a kind, beautiful and gentle soul who was adored by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.’
The U.S. Coast Guard spent a day searching the ocean and from the air before the search was called off.
Large night swells have made the search difficult, making the search “almost impossible.”
Discussions with Mr. Tollemache’s family, the Australian Consulate and relevant information about the case contributed to the decision.
“The Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to suspend the active search for the passenger aboard the Quantum of the Seas,” search and rescue mission coordinator Kevin Cooper said in a statement.
Warwick (pictured) is remembered by his family as a kind, beautiful and gentle soul who was adored by all
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing assistance to Mr. Tollemache’s family.
The Australian Consulate General in Honolulu is working closely with local authorities.
“We recognize the continued need for the man’s family and loved ones.”
A Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircrew conducted five searches at the scene in six hours.
A radio call was also made to all Pacific ships south of Hawaii to look for him.
Meanwhile, the Quantum of The Seas has now arrived in Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island, where passengers are allowed to spend time ashore.
While some guests praised the ship’s crew’s handling of the tragedy, many others described the mood on board as sombre.
“It’s a shocking situation to be in,” Susan Whittington told Nine News.
Another man added, “Couldn’t really fathom what happened.”
The ship departed Brisbane on April 12 and was scheduled to dock in Honolulu on Friday after a stopover on the Pacific island of Tahiti.
The ship remains on schedule to dock in Honolulu local time on Friday.