A 56-year-old man named Tom Gigler reportedly jumped overboard from the Carnival Panorama cruise ship on Saturday, September 19, 2026, near the California coast during the ship’s return voyage from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Long Beach, California.
The US Coast Guard conducted an extensive search covering 1,707 square miles for approximately 41 hours but found no sign of Gigler. Jessica Davila, Chief of Incident Management for the US Coast Guard South-West District, said, “Decisions to suspend search operations are never easy and are made with careful consideration of all available information. Our hearts are with those impacted by his loss.”
The search was officially suspended following this effort.
After Gigler was reported missing by 1:30 pm on September 19, 2026, the Carnival Panorama reversed course, sailing back toward Puerto Vallarta as part of the search effort. Passengers were instructed to remain in their staterooms during the shipwide headcount and search. The atmosphere aboard became subdued as crew informed travelers about the missing-person incident through intercom announcements, later confirming the person had gone overboard. Passengers learned that Gigler was traveling with his wife and children on what was their anniversary trip.
The seven-night cruise on Carnival Panorama began on September 13,
2026, departing Long Beach for a Mexican Riviera itinerary that included stops at Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlán. Carnival Cruise Line stated it is providing support to Gigler’s family. A company spokesperson said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones.” The circumstances leading to the overboard event remain unclear, though onboard camera footage captured Gigler going overboard.
Passenger Misty Hernandez described hearing repeated announcements of Gigler’s name during the morning following his disappearance and observing the ship’s reversal. She said, “You heard it one time and you’re thinking: ‘Oh, it’s almost the last day.
Maybe he has an outstanding bill.’ But when you hear it more than three times, you knew that something was going on.” Hernandez also noted meeting Gigler briefly along with his family and mentioned, “They had mentioned that it was their anniversary trip. My heart just hurts for their family.”
