American Teen Found Safe After Disappearing from Cruise Ship in Germany

A 14-year-old American boy who went missing from a cruise ship in Germany has been found safe in Brandenburg, over two hours away from where he disappeared in Rostock-Warnemünde. Aydin Brown was located unharmed at around 10 p.m. local time, authorities confirmed. He had left the Caribbean Princess cruise ship after it docked on July 4 at the port of Warnemünde. Brown, who was on the cruise with his grandmother, was found accompanied by a 19-year-old whom he is believed to have met in Rostock.

Timeline of Events

Brown went missing at around 7 a.m. on Thursday, triggering concerns from his family and authorities after he left the ship following an alleged argument with his grandmother. The cruise line, Princess, had been collaborating with local police to locate Brown after he disembarked "without an escort." Concerns over his safety grew when family members suspected he may have been lured away.

Following an "intensive investigation" and the evaluation of technical data, investigators picked up Brown's trail near Potsdam, leading to his discovery in Brandenburg. Despite the alarming disappearance, police stated that at this stage in the investigation, there were no indications of a crime.

Family's Relief

Brown's family expressed their gratitude on social media, announcing that he was found safe and thanking everyone who shared updates during the distressing ordeal. "Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!" wrote Amy Kopischke, a cousin of Brown. The family also conveyed that Brown was reunited with his grandmother and mother, who had flown to Germany after his disappearance.