Headbangers Boat, the inaugural metal cruise headlined by Lamb of God, experienced a tragic turn early Friday morning (November 3rd) when a 41-year-old male passenger went overboard. A search and rescue mission is currently underway.
In a statement provided to Rock Feed, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Cruise Line offered the following details:
“On the early morning of Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, Norwegian Pearl was notified that a 41-year-old male guest went overboard while the ship was sailing near the Bahamas on its way to Miami. The authorities have been notified and the United States Coast Guard search and rescue operation is underway. The investigation is ongoing, and we will share updates as appropriate. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
The incident sadly casts a pall over what by all accounts was turning out to be a very festive metal experience. As we’ve been reporting, via our on-board photographer, the cruise has had some memorable moments thus far, like Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe officiating a wedding between two of the passengers, as well as a hot tub circle pit breaking out during Hatebreed’s set.
In addition to Lamb of God and Hatebreed, the cruise has featured performances from Mastodon, GWAR, Testament, and several more acts. The ship set sail from Miami on Halloween (October 31st), and visited the Bahamas. The original schedule had it returning to Miami to disembark on Saturday (November 4th).
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the missing passenger.
In a statement provided to Rock Feed, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that a passenger went overboard during the Headbangers Boat cruise early this morning.
The statement reads: “On the early morning of Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, Norwegian Pearl was notified… pic.twitter.com/8nTBJacACU
— Rock Feed 🎸 (@RockFeedNet) November 3, 2023