Mystery cruise ship disappearance

BAY MINETTE, Ala. - Federal investigators hope the return of the cruise ship "Holiday" will help solve a mystery. The FBI is trying to find out how a Bay Minette woman went overboard as the ship headed to Mexico. Michelle Vilborg hasn't been seen since.

The ship is expected to be back in port Saturday around 7:00 a.m., after being at sea for the last five days. Vilborg was on the ship with her husband of 30 years. Family members said Swede Vilborg cut his trip short and just flew in from Cozumel. He was back at his Bay Minette home Friday when FOX10 News tried to catch up with him.

As we pulled up to the Vilborg home, family members approached us, declining to make any comments about the situation. The yard was full of cars.

Family members said they wanted to be there for Swede Vilborg during this traumatic situation. They said he didn't want to talk about the investigation or the moments leading up to his wife's disappearance.

While they're trying to cope, the FBI has stepped in. Angela Tobon, spokesperson for the FBI said, "This is unusual and with Carnival being in Mobile, it's the first time we've had a case like this in Mobile. So normally it's some sort of assault or some incident that's happened on the ship."

Tobon, said investigators will begin conducting interviews when the ship returns to port Saturday. She added, "With something like this you're going to talk to anybody that's had contact with her husband, with her dining partners, anyone she's traveling with and anyone who has insight into Mrs. Vilborg."

Tobon said it's a routine procedure. Because the investigation is ongoing, Tobon didn't want to comment if there were any security cameras on the ship that may give them some leads.

A crew member on the boat claimed he heard a splash before Vilborg was reported missing. The rescue mission which turned to a recovery was suspended. A move that's probably upsetting to the family. Tuesday, Vilborg's son Erik, said he needed to see his mother to have some closure. He added, "Find her, that's what I hope. Even if she's dead, find her."

Tobon said it may take investigators weeks to interview all the passengers on their list.