The family of an Australian man who went overboard from a cruise ship earlier this week have issued a heartbreaking tribute just hours after the search was suspended.
Warwick Tollemache, 35, from Brisbane has been identified as the man who fell from the Quantum of the Seas into the Pacific Ocean about 1400km south of the Hawaiian islands late on Tuesday night.
The search resumed the next day as the Royal Caribbean-operated ship, which departed Brisbane on April 12, headed towards Honolulu, it’s final destination.
Mr Tollemache’s shattered family have shared a tribute to the missing man after the US Coast Guard suspended the search on Friday morning Australian time.
Brisbane man Warwick Tollemache (pictured left) has been named as the man who went overboard from a cruise ship
‘Our family is heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Warwick,’ they said in a statement.
‘He was a kind, beautiful, and gentle soul who was adored by everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.’
‘We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your understanding.’
The sad news that the search had been called off sparked an outpouring of tributes.
‘I will miss you dearly my friend, my brother, my heart is aching so much knowing that I won’t get to see you again or give you a hug,’ one mate posted.
A family friend added: ‘He left an indelible mark on all who knew him and he will live on in all of us. My heart is breaking… for you, for him, for all your beautiful family. He will be so very missed.’
Mr Tollemache was a keen fisherman and posted photos highlighting his catches and his love for the outdoors on social media.
The US Coast Guard spent a day scouring the ocean for Mr Tollemache from the sea and the air before suspending the search.
Large overnight swells have hampered the frantic search, making the search ‘almost impossible’.
The decision came after talks with Mr Tollemache’s family and the Australian consulate.
Warwick Tollemache (pictured) has been remembered by his family as a kind, beautiful and gentle soul who was adored by everyone
Quantum of the Seas crew launched a desperate search (pictured) after Warwick Tollemache went overboard before later continuing its voyage
‘The coast guard has made the difficult decision to suspend the active search for the passenger aboard the Quantum of the Seas,’ search and rescue mission coordinator Kevin Cooper said in a statement.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing assistance to Mr Tollemache’s family.
‘The Australian Consulate-General in Honolulu is working closely with local authorities,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We acknowledge the ongoing distress for the man’s family and loved ones.’
A Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircrew completed five searches over the course of six hours while on scene.
A radio call-out was also issued to all vessels in the Pacific Ocean south of Hawaii to keep a lookout for him.
The Quantum of The Seas has since arrived at Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island where passengers have been allowed to spend time ashore.
The US Coast Guard has suspended the search for Warwick Tollemache (pictured)
There was an outpouring of tributes for Warwick Tollemache on Friday morning (pictured)
The Brisbane man went overboard from the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship in waters off Hawaii (pictured, stock image of the ship)
While guests have commended the way the ship’s crew have handled the tragedy, many others described the mood onboard as sombre.
‘It’s a shocking situation to be in,’ Susan Whittington told Nine News.
Another man added: ‘Couldn’t really fathom what happened.’
The ship departed Brisbane on April 12 and had been due to dock in Honolulu on Friday after stopping at the Pacific island of Tahiti.
The ship remains on schedule to dock in Honolulu on Friday local time.
Royal Caribbean Cruises said crews were working with local authorities.
‘Out of respect for the family, we will not share further about this unfortunate event,’ the company said.
A family friend said Warwick (pictured) left an indelible mark on all who knew him
