By Eliza Noe, The Virginian-Pilot
Carnival Cruise Line has reported a man overboard to the United States Coast Guard on a cruise set to return to Norfolk, Virginia, Tuesday morning.
According to a statement from Carnival, the man’s travel companion had reported him missing late Monday afternoon aboard Carnival Magic, which was returning from a trip to the Bahamas. After reviewing security footage, Carnival reports the passenger “leaned over the railing of his stateroom balcony and dropped into the water at approximately 4:10 a.m.” according to a statement from the company.
“The U.S. Coast Guard has released the ship from any search and rescue efforts and advised the ship’s captain to continue on its way to Norfolk where it will arrive as planned on Tuesday,” the statement continues. “The Carnival Care Team is providing support to the guest’s companion and traveling party who are on board.”
In a tweet posted Tuesday morning, the Coast Guard said crews are still searching. The man, 35, went overboard 186 miles east of Jacksonville. Crews are using air and water assets to conduct the search.
Carnival Magic initially left Norfolk for its most recent trip on May 25. The ship has a guest capacity of 3,690 people, and it is about 1,004 feet in length. According to the company’s website, the ship sails out of Norfolk and Miami and sails to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England and the Caribbean during its excursions. Trips can be anywhere from two to more than 10 days.
Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com