Search suspended for man who jumped from Galveston-based cruise ship

GALVESTON, Texas – The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a man who officials said jumped from a Galveston-based cruise ship Saturday.

According to company officials, video shows that the 26-year-old man leaped from his stateroom balcony aboard the Carnival Dream about 8:45 p.m.

Recommended Videos



The ship was located about 47 miles southeast of Galveston when the man went missing, according to the Coast Guard.

Officials sent a helicopter and an airplane to the area to be used in the search. 

"With our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young man, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our search," said Lt. Cmdr. Caren Damon, search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston. "We would like to thank the three good Samaritan vessels, along with our crews, who faced extreme weather conditions during the search due to Tropical Storm Olga. At the height of the storm, search crews endured winds up to 35 mph, 12-foot seas and incredibly low visibility." 

Carnival Cruise Line released a statement Thursday: 

Thursday evening, a guest went overboard from Carnival Dream while the ship was sailing from Galveston. Based on camera footage, it appears the guest jumped from his stateroom balcony. The ship's command promptly began search and rescue procedures, returned to the area near where the incident occurred and notified the U.S. Coast Guard, which is sending a helicopter to assist in the search. The onboard CareTeam is assisting the guest's family. 

Company officials said the Carnival Dream departed Galveston on Thursday to embark on a four-day cruise.