Search for man who fell off Carnival cruise ship near Florida is suspended
The Coast Guard ceased searching Wednesday night for a cruise passenger who is believed to have fallen into the sea east of Florida on Monday morning, officials said.
Ronnie Peale, 35, has been identified as the passenger who fell around 4 a.m. when the Carnival Magic cruise ship was about 180 miles east of Jacksonville.
“The decision to suspend active search efforts pending further development is never one to be taken lightly. “We offer our sincerest condolences to Mr. Peale’s family and friends,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hooper a statement.
The Coast Guard said it was notified around 6:30 p.m. Monday that a passenger had fallen. The search included HC-130 Hercules aircraft, one HC-144 aircraft and a cutter, which is a ship.
More than 5,171 square miles were searched, according to the Coast Guard.
The Carnival Magic is around 1,000 feet long and, according to the cruise line, has a capacity of almost 3,700 passengers and around 1,300 crew members. It should arrive in Norfolk, Virginia on Tuesday.
