Body of doctor discovered after she mysteriously vanished during cruise ship vacation following text to family
The body of a cruise ship passenger who was reported missing after embarking on a solo hike in Alaska has now been found, authorities have confirmed.
Marites Buenafe, 62, had informed her family via text message on the morning of Tuesday, July 1, that she temporarily disembarking from the Norwegian Cruise Lines ship she was travelling alone on, according to the Alaska Department of Safety.
The Norwegian Bliss had docked in Juneau, with the traveler informing her loved ones she’d be taking a solo trip up the Mount Roberts Tramway.
After leaving the cruise liner, the UK HealthCare physician was spotted on top of the Tramway by security cameras.
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It’s understood she departed the buildings around 7.30am - the same time she sent a text to her family, according to Juneau Police Department.
Alarm bells initially rang when Buenafe failed to return to the Norwegian Bliss ship before its departure at 1.30pm on July 1, according to the local authorities.
Authorities were informed of her disappearance at 3.20pm that evening.
On Wednesday, July 2, a missing persons bulletin was issued by Alaska State Troopers via Facebook.
The letter stated that initial searches of the area on the day the doctor had gone missing had been ‘unsuccessful in locating her’.
These first efforts included a Juneau Mountain Rescue-operated ground search, which utilized ‘thermal drones’.
The US Coast Guard and an AWT Helo 5 also conducted aerial searches of the area, a bulletin read.
However, officials stated these particular helicopter efforts were thwarted by poor weather conditions.
While aerial assets were on standby, Juneau Mountain Rescue and Southeast Alaska Dogs for Organized Ground Search continued their efforts.
“We were able to conduct a few limited searches by air of spots that were not easily accessible to ground crews," said a search coordinator.
Two days after disembarking from the cruise ship, Buenafe’s body was located by an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter crew.
Her remains were 1,700 feet below the ridgeline of Gold Ridge in the mountains, as per state troopers.
“Troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue were able to recover her body with the assistance of Temsco Helicopters and the National Guard,” the release read.
“Her next of kin have been notified, and her body will be sent to the state medical examiner's office for autopsy.
"Wildlife Troopers would like to thank all of the volunteers and agencies that assisted with this search and rescue."
In a statement to UNILAD, Norwegian Cruise Line commented: "On July 1, 2025, when one of our guests did not return to the ship by all-aboard time while docked in Juneau, Alaska, they were reported missing to local state troopers.
"Unfortunately, after an extensive search, an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter located the body of the guest on July 3, 2025. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the guest. Our CARE team is providing support to the guest’s family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Alaska State Troopers have urged anybody traveling in backcountry Alaska to hike with a partner, ‘carry communication gear’ and/or leave a detailed plan of their route with someone they know.
“Trips into Alaska’s backcountry can go from expected easy day trips to very challenging with one wrong step or fall,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety spokesperson Austin McDaniel.
Topics: US News, Alaska, Cruise ship, Police
Ella Scott