By SDCN Staff
Alameda, CA–The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Tuesday for a passenger reported overboard from the cruise ship Carnival Panorama approximately 57 miles off the coast of Mexico.
The search for the 56-year-old male passenger was suspended pending new information.
Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Alameda watchstanders received the initial report of a missing person at approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday from Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles Long Beach watch standers. The cruise ship contacted the Coast Guard reporting the passenger was last seen at approximately 11:30 p.m. Friday.
RCC Alameda assumed search and rescue coordination responsibilities and launched multiple Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft to search for the missing passenger. Additionally, the Coast Guard coordinated with Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Mexico and the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue system to identify surface assets to participate in the search. A Mexican Naval boat and six good Samaritan vessels provided surface searches for the missing man.
The Coast Guard coordinated more than 41 hours of search efforts, covering more than 1,707 square miles with no sightings of the missing person.
A statement from the Carnival Cruise ship confirmed that the passenger jumped overboard. The incident is under investigation.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Mr. Tom Gigler,” said Capt. Jessica Davila, chief of incident management, Coast Guard Southwest District. “Decisions to suspend search operations are never easy and are made with careful consideration of all available information. Our hearts are with those impacted by his loss.”
