News
Search Suspended for Missing Carnival Cruise Passenger
The search was suspended Monday for a missing Carnival Cruise passenger who leaped off the ship near the Florida coast, the Coast Guard announced. Jaylen Hill, 30, was caught on camera jumping off the side of the Carnival Elation on Sunday as it was heading toward its final stop in Jacksonville.
The Coast Guard immediately dispatched multiple resources to search for Hill, including the 87-foot cutter Tarpon from St. Petersburg, a Hercules aircraft based out of Clearwater, and a Miami-based Ocean Sentry aircraft.
The search efforts covered more than 1,347 miles, but by Monday night, there were no results and the search was called off “pending any further developments,” according to the Coast Guard. “We offer our deepest condolences to the Hill family,” said Petty Officer Eric Rodriquez in a statement. “Our crews take our life-saving mission very seriously. Any time we can’t bring a loved one home to their family is a pain we all feel.”
According to the cruise line, Hill was on the Carnival Elation with a “travel companion” when he jumped overboard. After the companion alerted cruise staff that Hill was missing, workers reviewing security video confirmed that he had indeed jumped.
The Carnival Elation had just completed a four-day trip to the Bahamas, ending in Jacksonville on Monday morning. The incident has raised concerns about passenger safety and security protocols on cruise ships.
Authorities have not provided any further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Hill’s decision to jump off the ship.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with being at sea and the importance of safety measures aboard cruise ships. As investigations continue, the cruise industry will likely face increased scrutiny to ensure the well-being and security of its passengers.