Body of missing cruise ship passenger recovered 1,700ft below ridge where she went solo hiking in Alaska

Mount Roberts and Juneau Waterfront - stock photo.

The body of a cruise ship passenger who went missing while on a solo hike in Alaska has been recovered, officials say.

Marites "Tess" Buenafe, 62, was on the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship docked in Juneau when she told family members she was going for a hike by herself. She was last heard from at around 7:30am on Tuesday, July 1, and said she planned to ride the Goldbelt Tram up Mount Roberts and hike Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak.

Buenafe, a Kentucky resident, was a passenger on the Norwegian Bliss (Image credit: Alaska State Trooper)

When Buenafe failed to return to the ship that afternoon, a large-scale search and rescue operation was launched using canine teams, helicopters, and drones. An update from Alaska State Troopers reports her body was spotted just before noon Thursday by an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter crew approximately 1,700ft (518m) below the ridge.

"Troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue were able to recover her body with the assistance of Temsco Helicopters and the National Guard. Her next of kin have been notified, and her body will be sent to the state medical examiner's office for autopsy."

Buenafe was a resident of Kentucky and is listed as a doctor on the University of Kentucky Healthcare system's website.

The trail Buenafe planned to hike is described by AllTrails as a "moderately challenging" four-mile path that reaches elevations of around 1,900ft (580m).

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best waterproof jackets: brave the elements with these top-rated hard and softshells