Urgent search for woman missing after falling overboard from Taylor Swift themed cruise

A search is underway for a woman who has gone overboard on a -themed cruise in the Bahamas.

The Coast Guard is looking for the 66-year-old, who fell from Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas ship around 9:40pm on Tuesday evening.

The ship had recently left Miami and the accident occurred approximately 17 miles north of Nassau. The Coast Guard has sent a plane and a helicopter to the area to search for the missing woman.

“Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said. “We are also providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share.”

The woman is believed to have been aboard the maiden voyage of the Taylor Swift-themed cruise, known as the 'In My Cruise Era: The Taylor Fan's Cruise Group'.

After setting sail from Miami (where Swift recently performed on her bestselling Eras Tour) the ship was due to land in Nassau on Tuesday and then head to Royal Caribbean's own private Bahamas island, CocoCay, on Wednesday. The vessel would then return to Miami on day five.

Some of the events planned for passengers include friendship-bracelet swapping, Taylor trivia, dance parties, karaoke, a ship-wide scavenger hunt, a door-decorating contest and nightly Era outfit themes.

Tickets for the cruise started at $1,573 (£1,214) for double occupancy rooms including food and basic beverages like coffee and tea.

“Join us as we celebrate all things Taylor, make new friends, dress up in our favourite eras, trade friendship bracelets, and enjoy everything this amazing ship has to offer!” the cruise’s website advertised.

“This cruise is for all fans, so bring your besties, your moms and dads, your baby fans, and if you need someone to room with, post on our page and ask!”

It's not yet clear whether the missing woman was a Swift fan or coincidentally happened to be onboard at the same time as the event.