A male passenger aboard the Carnival Panorama went overboard as the ship neared the end of a week-long cruise between Long Beach, California, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, according to the cruise line.
The Carnival Panorama had departed Long Beach on September 13 and was on its way back from Puerto Vallarta, its final port of call, when the man went into the water. Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital.
“Carnival Cruise Line confirmed Saturday that a male guest aboard Carnival Panorama jumped overboard while the ship was sailing from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to Long Beach, California,” a Carnival spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson added: “When notified of a missing guest, the ship’s team initiated search and investigation procedures, including reviewing CCTV footage and notifying both the U.S. and Mexico Coast Guards.”
Carnival said it is supporting the family traveling with the passenger. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones,” the statement read.
Hours-long search unfolded on board
A Reddit user who said they were on the sailing described a series of shipwide announcements that began around 11 a.m. Saturday, hours after the ship had left Puerto Vallarta at 8 p.m. Thursday. According to that account, calls for the missing guest continued through the morning, and the ship reversed course at about 3 p.m.
Around 3:30 p.m., an announcement told passengers a shipwide search was underway and instructed everyone to return to their staterooms. Security staff reportedly went cabin to cabin scanning identification cards, a standard step during such searches. An hour later, guests were told the search was continuing and to remain in their rooms.
By about 5 p.m., the captain and cruise director confirmed the man had gone overboard after reviewing onboard camera footage. Passengers were told local authorities would take over the search and rescue effort and that they no longer needed to stay in their staterooms.
The missing passenger’s family and traveling companions were notified and offered support from the ship’s care team. Shortly after 7 p.m., passengers were informed the ship was expected to arrive in Long Beach at 9 a.m.
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