Jay wrote on Oct 13, 2006 11:39 PM:If the captain knew there was a person overboard why didn't the ship stay in the area and take part in the search instead of keeping on course? Ans: Dollars and cents. "The show must go on" mentality of todays capitalists is disgusting and in this case maybe even illegal. I believe that Maritime and International law requires the captain to make a search. (If that occured it is not clear in the story, but then the NC Times isn't big on journalism) Instead he leaves it to the Mexican Navy? How many cruise ship scandals have we heard recently? Tainted food, sickening mold, strange disappearanves, drunken captains, rammed docks, rapes and homicides. How about some enforcment prosecutors?

Jon B. wrote on Oct 14, 2006 2:41 PM:Somebody wants to jump off a cruise ship in the open ocean let them go. Whats with all the whining, Americans want to have a babysitter 24/7. If you want a babysitter don't leave the country, its that simple. We have become a nation of couch potato complainers, with no sense of adventure. You would think that these wimpy cruises would be just the ticket for these soft Americans, but apparently even they are too much of an adventure. You have ruined America for the rest of us, please don't ruin the entire world.

Elizabeth wrote on Oct 14, 2006 3:52 PM:Yes, I would like to address Jay's comment!! The ship did turn around however they did so knowing it was a lost cause. I can not fully disclose as to why but, regardless you should try to use your mind and analize the situation befor you make yourself look stupid! Think about this. It was dark ships don't have search and rescue equipment and it takes a long time for a ship that size to turn around and after they did do so they have no idea where the current took her she would have already drifted miles and miles. So, the Captain knowing all of this information still took a chance hoping for a miracle, but when that didn't occur he did have a ship full of passengers to worry about.

Keven wrote on Oct 14, 2006 4:06 PM:I was a passenger on that exact cruise. We were fully informed of the situation and updated often. The ship turned around to the area and used thermal radars and spot lights while being assisted by the Mexican Navy. After searching for about 3 hours before returning towards Los Angeles the Mexican Navy continued the search. Jay needs to get the facts before he jumps on his soap box and spouts off on something he knows nothing about.

Kristen wrote on Oct 14, 2006 5:19 PM:I was on that cruise ship. We left cabo not knowing we had a missing passenger and went back two hours later. There was a search using the ships spotlights and the mexican navy. After several hours, the ship had no choice but to leave and get back on course toward LA. We were only told that she was not found. There was a security guard by her stateroom on the 10th floor that had a balcony. We can only assume she went overboard there.

Beth wrote on Oct 14, 2006 5:23 PM:#1. I was on the ship and the "CAPTAIN" did go bach and search I think the whole ship was looking in the ocean ,plus Quite a few boats of the Mexican Police were out there looking for her. #2. ALOT OF PEOPLE HAD TO PAY ANOTHER AIR FAIR FOR THIS.But I am sorry for the women and I didn't mind the the wait. So to Jay ,The captain was not drunk and we went bach for hours. For JonB. You are right we are not baby sitters.

Janice wrote on Oct 14, 2006 8:27 PM:I too was on the ship and unless you were there you will never know how the people were feeling. Some were crying softly, others praying, and the mood on the ship was of concern and deep love for a person we didnt even know. Our captain and cruise director kept us informed as we turned around to search. I stood outside, on the front part of the ship with many other people, looking overboard hoping to see her or hear anything. It was quiet and sad. I was so proud of the captain and the way they handled the situation. If this had happened to one of my family members, I could not have felt any more secure. We had a small child on board, and I worried that she may fall over. She was safe, but I never guessed someone else would fall. Since we dont know if she jumped or fell or whatever, it doesnt matter.A life was lost that day and I feel for her family and friends. I felt like I knew her and I am sorry

Beth wrote on Oct 14, 2006 10:47 PM:Janice,I thank you for all the right words because I could feel the same feeling in all the people and crew about a women we didn't know but our hearts are with her FAMILY.

misty wrote on Oct 15, 2006 9:34 AM:I was on this ship with my husband and 4 year old daughter. We do not know if the woman just "jumped". she could have been pushed . Of course we had to go back and search for her. If she did jump willingly, still a sad situation. I hope her family finds the answers they are looking for, and I hope they don't have to read any nasty comments from people who don't care. My prayers are with them in this time of grief. As for the air fair? We all had to pay more. Get over it! a persons life is more valuable and life goes on.

Ms. D wrote on Oct 18, 2006 10:59 PM:Jon and Jay B., you people are ... who know nothing about U.S. Citizens. I also was a passenger on this cruise when the incident occured. All passengers, an internationally diverse passenger manifest including "soft" Americans, cooperated with the investigation by authorities and did not "whine" or complain while the ship returned to Cabo to participat in an exhaustive search for the missing woman and the two extensive searches on board the ship performed prior. The staff of the cruise line handled the situation with great respect and dignity. If you do not like our "disgusting" "capitalists" ways, then stop reading our news and commenting on things you obiviously know nothing about and was not present to witness.

Kate wrote on Oct 23, 2006 6:48 PM:On October 13 my husband and I arrived at the Port of Los Angeles to board the Norweigan Star. We were not allowed to enter the terminal and instead the driver was directed to drop us and our luggage off in a far corner of the parking lot. It was raining and we waited for approximately 3-4 hours. The ship had been docked but not one NCL official notified us of what had taken place. It wasn't until I received a phone call from a family member that I became aware of the reason for the delay. Once aboard the ship, it was obvious that the crew had been directed not to talk about the incident. This was indeed a tragedy and I am sure passengers waiting to board would have been a little more compassionate, instead, due to the lack of communication by NCL officials, there were many angry, wet people.