A tourist’s vacation turned tragic when she was found dead on an Alaskan mountain trail after going missing while her cruise ship departed without her.
See the tweet further down this post.
62-year-old Marites Buenafe was found dead three days later on a treacherous mountain trail, raising questions about cruise line protocols and wilderness safety in America’s last frontier.
Buenafe, a physician affiliated with the University of Kentucky Healthcare system, was a passenger aboard the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship during a weeklong tour of Alaska departing from Seattle.
On July 1, she texted her family that she planned to hike from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak in Juneau, a challenging 4.1-mile trek known for rugged terrain.
Security footage captured Buenafe at the top of Mount Roberts Tramway around 7:30 a.m. that morning, but alarm bells did not sound until the Norwegian Bliss departed at its scheduled time of 1:30 p.m. without her.
She was officially reported missing at approximately 3:15 p.m., nearly two hours after the ship had already left port.
A massive search operation was immediately launched with Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue deploying drones and helicopters to scour the rugged landscape.
Professional volunteers, local police, and specialized rescue teams continued searching on July 2, but initially found no trace of the missing tourist.
The search came to a grim conclusion on July 3 when an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter located Buenafe’s body approximately 1,700 feet below Gold Ridge.
Her remains were recovered with assistance from the National Guard and Temsco Helicopters and will undergo an autopsy at the state medical examiner’s office.
The cruise line’s response has been limited to a brief statement of condolences.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the guest,” a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said.
They continued, “Our CARE team is providing support to the guest’s family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Many American patriots and outdoor enthusiasts are questioning why more robust safety protocols were not in place to account for all passengers before departure, especially those who had explicitly stated their intention to hike.
Moreover, Department of Public Safety spokesperson Austin McDaniel stated that “people traveling in the backcountry or going on long hikes should inform someone where they are going, when they plan to return, and what they are wearing.”
“They should also consider bringing an additional communication device in case there is no cell service,” he added.
Safety experts are now emphasizing the importance of proper preparation for wilderness adventures, especially in remote locations such as Alaska.
Hikers are advised to travel with companions whenever possible, carry emergency communication devices beyond just cell phones, and inform multiple parties of their detailed plans, including expected return times.
Tourist who missed Norwegian cruise ship discovered dead on mountain trail in Alaska https://t.co/P5YIDD4pXW pic.twitter.com/H5VOmmUsix
— New York Post (@nypost) July 8, 2025
