• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Body of doctor discovered after she mysteriously vanished during cruise ship vacation following text to family

Home> News> US News

Updated 16:22 4 Jul 2025 GMT+1Published 16:21 4 Jul 2025 GMT+1

Body of doctor discovered after she mysteriously vanished during cruise ship vacation following text to family

The 62-year-old was taking a solo trip onboard a Norwegian Bliss ship but disembarked for a hike

Ella Scott

Ella Scott

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.

Advert

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.

Marites Buenafe was traveling on the Norwegian Bliss ship on her own (Alaska State Troopers)
Marites Buenafe was traveling on the Norwegian Bliss ship on her own (Alaska State Troopers)

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.

Advert

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.

Advert

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.

Advert

Officials have urged Alaska-based explorers to stay vigilant (Alaska State Troopers)
Officials have urged Alaska-based explorers to stay vigilant (Alaska State Troopers)

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.

Advert

"Wildlife Troopers would like to thank all of the volunteers and agencies that assisted with this search and rescue."

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.

UNILAD has contacted the Alaska State Troopers and Norwegian Cruise Line for further comment.

Featured Image Credit: Alaska State Troopers

Topics: US News, Alaska, Cruise ship, Police

Ella Scott
Ella Scott

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

3 hours ago
4 hours ago
  • 3 hours ago

    Woman shockingly dies after contracting rampant STI that spread throughout her organs

    Residents of the state with new or multiple sexual partners are being warned to look out for symptoms

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    FDA issues urgent blueberry recall over fears they ‘could cause death’ following tests

    If you've got any blueberries in your fridge, pantry, or freezer, double-check the lot number as they could have serious health risks

    News
  • 4 hours ago

    Health expert reveals six huge changes to your body when you give up sex for a year

    From your immune system to stress levels, here's everything that's impacted

    News
  • 4 hours ago

    FBI releases new files on infamous plane hijacker DB Cooper revealing shocking insights into unsolved case

    Back in 1971, a man who used the fake name Dan Cooper, threatened to blow up the aircraft he was traveling on

    News
  • FBI probe death of 12-year-old boy who died mysteriously on cruise ship
  • Passenger on ‘poop cruise from hell’ recalls the unimaginable acts they were forced to do
  • Man wins free cruise ship vacation but then has to pay $47,000 after catching flu on board
  • Man shares strict rules you have to follow on 2000-person nude cruise ship