The search for a passenger who fell overboard from a Taylor Swift-themed cruise has been suspended, PEOPLE has learned.
A representative for the U.S. Coast Guard told PEOPLE on Wednesday afternoon that the Royal Bahamas Defense Force — the agency leading the search for the missing 66-year-old woman — had suspended the search, pending any further developments, and were no longer requesting assistance from the Coast Guard.
The woman fell from Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas ship in the Bahamas, 17 miles north of Nassau, at about 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Coast Guard previously told PEOPLE.
As of Wednesday morning, rescue crews from both the Coast Guard and Royal Bahamas Defense Force were still looking for the missing passenger.
The Coast Guard added that it had diverted an HC-144 airplane crew and a MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter from Air Station Miami to assist with the search.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force for more information.
A passenger on board the ship told PEOPLE exclusively that rumors of the incident started circulating Tuesday night when what they described as a “lifeboat” was seen circling the ship, which was at a standstill.
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A representative for Royal Caribbean told PEOPLE on Wednesday morning that it was working with local authorities to try and locate the passenger.
“We are also providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time,” the company’s statement said. “To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share.”
Travel agents Jessica Malerman, Nicole Rivera, and Shelby Reyes worked with Royal Caribbean to organize the “In My Cruise Era” event, a group of Swifties who departed from Miami on Tuesday. It’s unclear whether the missing passenger was part of the group of Swift fans.
The group’s website said fans embarking on the trip would “celebrate all things Taylor, make new friends, dress up in our favorite eras, trade friendship bracelets, and enjoy everything this amazing ship has to offer!”
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