Cruise passenger vanishes during solo hike in Alaska, prompting urgent search
Marties Buenafe, 62, texted family that she was going for a hike in Juneau on July 1, but did not return to the Norwegian Bliss ship for its scheduled 1:30 p.m. departure, the Alaska State Troopers said in a July 2 bulletin.
A Norwegian spokesperson said a guest was reported missing after they missed the vessel's all-aboard time.
'An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate,' they told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 'Our CARE team is providing support to the guest's family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.'
The ship eventually left the port and continued its week-long Alaska cruise sailing that departed from Seattle on June 28, according to CruiseMapper.
She told family by text message around 7:30 a.m. that she planned to hike to Gastineau Peak – a mountain in the area – via Gold Ridge, and was going up Mount Roberts Tramway, according to the state troopers.
'Security footage showed her at the top of Mount Roberts Tramway departing the buildings at about 0730 hours,' the bulletin said. 'Searches of the area have been unsuccessful in locating her.'
Authorities urged anyone with information or who has had contact with Buenafe to call 907-465-4000 with the reference number AK25063914.
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