Search Conducted After Carnival Panorama Passenger Goes Overboard

Thomas Gigler, a 56-year-old computer programmer from Redlands, California, disappeared from Carnival Panorama while the ship was sailing from Mexico to Long Beach. Surveillance footage showed him going overboard from the vessel’s eleventh deck during an anniversary trip with his wife and three sons, according to the report.

Carnival Cruise Line said a male passenger jumped overboard while the ship was traveling from Puerto Vallarta to Long Beach. The company said the crew initiated search and investigation procedures after receiving notice of a missing guest, reviewed CCTV footage and notified the U.S. and Mexican Coast Guards.

Authorities from the United States and Mexico, along with commercial vessels, searched the Pacific Ocean after the crew reported Gigler missing. According to the report, Carnival Panorama conducted a localized search at about 2 p.m. after the footage confirmed he had gone overboard. The ship resumed its route to Long Beach at 4:30 p.m.

Gigler’s sister, Wendy Dowden, disputed a report that he had discussed marital problems aboard the ship. She said Gigler and his wife, Michelle, had been getting along well. Dowden also said the family believed he may not have been in his right mind when he went overboard.