Cruise Ship Worker Arron Hough Likely Fell From Deck, Search Continues

A 20-year-old British luxury cruise ship entertainer Arron Hough, who was missing after going overboard on Christmas Day, may have likely fallen off the deck. A desperate search for him is currently underway after he was last seen early Tuesday.

Hough, believed to be from Sunderland, had not reported to work on board luxury cruiseliner the Royal Caribbean, scheduled on Tuesday, with the ship en route to Philipsburg, St Maarten. The cruise was traveling on a seven-night itinerary after departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, with port calls to Philipsburg, St Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Labadee, Haiti.

"We are saddened to report that after a review of the ship's closed-circuit camera footage, he was observed entering an area on Deck 5 at around 4am and was not seen again," a Royal Caribbean spokesman said. "Local authorities were notified and a ship-wide search for the missing crew member was conducted. Our care team is providing support to the family and friends of our colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."

The U.S. coastguard is currently searching for the Briton after he allegedly fell off the ship 267 miles northwest of Aguadilla in Puerto Rico. A HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Clearwater, Florida, and the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Resolute were called in to participate in the search operation.

The US Coast Guard said: "Missing is Arron Hough, 20, of the United Kingdom. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan received a notification from the cruise ship stating a crew member went overboard Tuesday."

The Urdang Academy from where Hough graduated, tweeted: "We are all praying for @Arronhoughxox and his family. Please keep up your hope and faith that he is found safe and sound as soon as possible.” The academy in London provides specialist vocational training in dance and musical theatre.

Just days before, on Friday, the young man had posted a cryptic message on Twitter, which read: "Beneath the water is beauty. Always look beneath the surface before you decide on things."

A friend of Hough, spoke to the Daily Mail on the condition of anonimity, expressing her sadneess about the news. "

Arron is the type of person, people can only wish to have in their lives. He lights up any room like no one else can and everyone who knows and loves him, has so many happy and cherished memories," she said about the cruise entertainer. "His infectious laugh and beaming smile is enough to pull anyone out from feeling down in the dumps. He's helped me through some of the hardest times in my life and for that I'm eternally grateful... I hope and pray we get our Arron back home where he belongs, the light of our lives has gone out."