NEED TO KNOW
Search and rescue teams are currently looking for a 76-year-old cruise ship passenger in the Atlantic Ocean
The British man fell overboard from the TUI Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, on Thursday, Nov. 27
The vacationer reportedly has not been seen since he fell into the water
Search and rescue teams are currently looking for a missing cruise ship passenger in the Atlantic Ocean.
The unnamed 76-year-old British man fell overboard from the TUI Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, on Thursday, Nov. 27, reported local outletsEl DiaandVoz Populi, and U.K. newspaperMetro.
The vacationer reportedly has not been seen since he fell into the water under circumstances that are currently unknown,El Diaadded.
The incident occurred around 16 nautical miles from Punta de Teno, the outlet continued.
While officials tried to search for the man on Thursday, they revealed that they were continuing their operation on Friday.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
"It has been confirmed he went overboard and is aged 76. The search for him started yesterday and is continuing today. The search was relaunched at first light this morning," the Spanish coastguard spokesperson toldMetro.
In a statement to PEOPLE, TUI group said, "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera."
"Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time," they added. "Our dedicated care team is supporting the family, providing assistance and comfort. We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support."
Following the incident, the captain of the 800-feet-long ship — which had been traveling from Madeira to the Canary Islands — stopped the vessel and activated the "man overboard" protocol, perVoz PopuliandEl Dia.
This included checking cameras, circular search maneuvers and the launch of marker rafts.
The search operation also includes two specialised vessels and an emergency helicopter, the outlet reported.
The Spanish coastguard did not immediately reply to PEOPLE's request for information.
Read the original article onPeople