A 62-year-old woman from Kentucky has gone missing after failing to return to the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship following a morning hike in Juneau, Alaska. Authorities are searching for the tourist, who had plans to hike to local peaks still experiencing snow in July. The disappearance has prompted ground and aerial searches, though efforts were limited by rainy weather and poor visibility. The Juneau Police Department and Norwegian Cruise Lines did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Authorities have not released the identity of the missing passenger.
This incident follows a series of missing person reports in the region, including the recent discovery of a second hiker found dead in Maine after a massive search operation. The local peaks are still experiencing areas of snow in July, which can pose significant challenges for hikers. The popular cruise ship destination’s tram service is attractive to tourists due to its proximity to the downtown area, but the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions remain a concern for visitors. The woman’s relatives told police that she had left for a hike that morning and had plans to take a popular tourist tram partially up a mountain overlooking downtown Juneau before walking to Gastineau Peak and Gold Ridge.
Ground and aerial searches were conducted shortly after the woman’s disappearance on Tuesday, with ground searches resuming Wednesday, according to the department. Due to rainy weather and poor visibility, aircraft searches did not return to the area the following day. The state Department of Public Safety emphasized the importance of preparedness and safety measures when hiking in such environments. These incidents highlight the risks associated with outdoor activities in remote and unpredictable regions, where weather conditions can change rapidly and pose life-threatening situations.
While the exact circumstances of the woman’s disappearance remain under investigation, the ongoing search underscores the challenges faced by emergency responders in such conditions. The Juneau Police Department and Norwegian Cruise Lines have not provided further details, and authorities have not released the identity of the missing passenger. As the search continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal safety and preparedness when engaging in outdoor activities in such environments.