What happens if a passenger dies during the voyage?

When a passenger dies during a voyage, the captain is authorized to act appropriately, which includes handling the deceased's body and personal belongings. In maritime law, the captain has the authority and responsibility to ensure the safety and order on the vessel. This includes addressing emergencies such as death onboard.

The captain's role encompasses making decisions that keep the crew and other passengers safe, maintaining the vessel's operations, and ensuring that any necessary procedures are followed. The handling of the body is a part of this responsibility, as the captain must make arrangements for respectful treatment of the deceased until the ship can reach port and local authorities can take over.

The other choices suggest actions that may not be feasible or necessary in every case. For instance, returning immediately to port might not be the most practical or safe option depending on the situation. Stopping all operations until authorities are notified could cause unnecessary disruption, and conducting a full investigation might not be required immediately onboard. The captain's discretion allows for a measured response to such tragic events, focusing first on the immediate needs while ensuring compliance with legal requirements later on.