MSC Divina Mexican Fan World Cup Missing Fall Overboard
A Mexican football fan fell overboard from the 15th deck of the MSC Divina cruise liner GERARD JULIEN/AFP/GettyImages

Brazilian rescue ships are searching Atlantic waters for a reportedly intoxicated football fan who fell overboard from a World Cup-dedicated cruise liner during a match.

The man, a Mexican national, was seen plunging 50 meters into the sea from the 15th deck of the MSC Divina, as the cruise ship was sailing from the northeastern city of Fortaleza to Recife.

"A Mexican citizen traveling on board the cruise ship MSC Divina fell overboard," the Mexican consulate in Rio de Janeiro said.

The identity of the man, who witnesses said was seemingly drunk, has not been released.

"It's really sad. We were watching Spain playing Chile and were looking forward to arrive in Recife and celebrate," fellow passenger Felipe de los Cobos told CNN Mexico.

"Then the alarm bell rang three times announcing a man had fallen overboard."

The MSC Divina reportedly remained in the area searching for the passenger until Brazilian navy boats arrived at the scene and took over the rescue effort.

"[Brazilian] rescue teams using fast boats are searching for our countryman in the area where he presumably fell," the consulate said.

It is not clear if the missing passenger was travelling alone or with family or friends.

Thousands of Mexican supporters were aboard the 330 meters long vessel that was cruising between Natal, Fortaleza and Recife.

The three cities host Mexico's national team group stage fixtures at the World Cup and some cruise packages included tickets for the matches.

Mexican media reported that former president Felipe Calderon and his family were also on board.