Body found after passenger reported overboard from cruise ship

A body has been recovered following the report of a passenger falling overboard from the cruise ship Ambition off the east coast of Scotland. The incident occurred around 8.35am on Friday, 21 August 2026, approximately 36 nautical miles east of Arbroath, Angus. Police Scotland stated that a body was recovered on Friday evening and the family of the missing man has been informed, though formal identification has not yet taken place.

The cruise ship Ambition was en-route from Lerwick to Dundee when the guest went missing. The vessel docked in Dundee and guests were permitted to disembark after a comprehensive ship-wide search. HM Coastguard deployed one of its helicopters and one of its aeroplanes, alongside a commercial search and rescue helicopter and nearby vessels, to aid in the search and rescue operation.

Ambassador Cruise Line, the shipping company, adheres to stringent search-and-rescue protocols in accordance with international maritime safety standards. They are collaborating closely with the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and Police Scotland as the investigation continues. Despite the unfortunate event, Ambassador Cruise Line remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all their guests and crew.

The turnaround operation in Dundee was slightly delayed due to the incident, but guests scheduled to travel aboard Ambition are advised to proceed to the port as per their original embarkation schedule.