Passenger Goes Overboard From Carnival Cruise Ship Heading to Long Beach

Carnival Passenger Goes Overboard

A passenger went overboard from a Carnival cruise ship while it was making its way back to Southern California, triggering a shipwide search and a coordinated response from U.S. and Mexican authorities. The incident happened Saturday, Sept. 19, aboard the Carnival Panorama as the ship traveled from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, toward Long Beach, California. The ship was on the final full day of a seven night Mexican Riviera cruise that had departed Long Beach on Sept. 13.

Passenger Reported Missing

The situation began when the passenger was reported missing while the ship was at sea. Carnival’s crew began searching the vessel and reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to determine where he might have gone. The U.S. Coast Guard identified the passenger as a 56 year old man. His identity has not been publicly released. After reviewing the ship’s surveillance footage, Carnival confirmed that the passenger had gone overboard.

Passengers Ordered Back To Their Rooms

As crew members worked to account for passengers, guests aboard the Carnival Panorama were instructed to return to their staterooms. The ship conducted a shipwide search while crew members worked to determine whether the missing passenger was still somewhere aboard the vessel. Passengers were eventually informed that surveillance footage had confirmed he had gone overboard. The ship also turned around during the response as authorities and the crew searched the surrounding waters.

Coast Guard Launches Search

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Rescue Coordination Center Alameda began coordinating search and rescue efforts after being notified of the incident. Fixed wing aircraft were deployed to assist with the search. The Mexican Navy and commercial vessels in the area also participated in the effort. The search continued as authorities worked to determine the passenger’s whereabouts.

Carnival Supports His Family

Carnival said the passenger’s family and traveling companions were notified about what had happened. The cruise line also said it was providing support to the family as authorities continued their search. The Carnival Panorama returned to Long Beach following the cruise. Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional details about why the passenger went overboard, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.