Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Melbourne Man, 73, Presumed Dead After Going Overboard on Disney Wonder

Victoria Police are not treating the death as suspicious, with a coroner's report to follow.

Overview

  • The passenger from Moonee Ponds went overboard at about 4:30 a.m. on November 22 in the Tasman Sea as the ship sailed from Melbourne to Auckland.
  • Disney Wonder reversed course and searched for roughly five hours using thermal imaging and deck lookouts but could not locate him.
  • Police said it is understood the man jumped and confirmed his body has not been recovered.
  • The ship’s captain informed guests during the day, and passengers described the onboard mood as somber after the unsuccessful search.
  • The voyage has resumed with arrival in Auckland expected about a day late during one of Disney’s final regional sailings before a pause in 2026–27.