A missing cruise boat reveller sparked a search of the Great Sound this weekend, which ended with the man found safe on Watling Island.

The alarm was raised at about 1.30am on Saturday after the 29-year-old was reported missing by his sister.

An extensive search was launched, with marine police, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, a Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service vessel and a pilot vessel all involved, as well as the private boat and several boaters.

Bermuda Maritime Operations said it received a call from a member of the public at about 1.35am from a member of the public. The caller said her brother was missing from a private boat, which they had both been on earlier in the evening.

An incident report said: “He was last seen in the Paradise Lakes area around midnight, with the cruise vessel having returned inshore, and she was reporting her concerns for his whereabouts.

“Bermuda Radio commenced urgency Marine VHF Broadcasts for any vessels with information or possible sightings.

“The Marine Police and pilot boat St David were tasked to commence search operations in the area where he was last seen on the vessel’s return passage to Albuoy’s Point.”

They were later joined by the RBR, who provided one fast boat with a two-man crew and five RBR divers, and another soldier deployed to a BPS boat.

The Bermuda Police Service thanked all who assisted in the sweep of the waters in and around Hamilton Harbour.

The man was discovered at about 10.40am with minor abrasions on Watling Island, which sits by Timlin’s Narrows next to Hinson’s Island.

Bermuda Maritime Operations said it was believed the man swam to the island after he fell overboard, and stayed there overnight.

RBR Adjutant Paolo Odoli said: “We are happy to provide any assistance we can to the civil authorities.

“We are glad that the young man has been found safe and well.”

Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police, extended his thanks, adding: “Teamwork, perseverance and the willingness of the various agencies and community members to work together, clearly ensured the safety of this young man.

“A full investigation will now take place to find out how he came to be in the water.

“The investigation will also look at any lessons to be learnt from a safety aspect and seek to identify if there are any issues to be considered in regards to the cruise this young man was on at the time.”