A 56-year-old man named Tom Gigler reportedly jumped overboard from the Carnival Panorama on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The incident occurred as the ship was returning from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Long Beach, California.
US Coast Guard Search and Suspension
The US Coast Guard conducted a search spanning more than 1,707 square miles for approximately 41 hours without locating Gigler. Search efforts were coordinated with the Mexican Navy and commercial vessels, using fixed-wing aircraft to cover the area. The search was suspended as of September 22, 2026. Jessica Davila, chief of incident management for the 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.”
Carnival Panorama Itinerary and Incident Timeline
The Carnival Panorama departed Long Beach on September 13, 2026, on a seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise with ports including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlán. The passenger was last seen Friday evening, September 18, and reported missing by 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 19. Following the report, the ship reversed course back toward Puerto Vallarta. Carnival Cruise Line reviewed surveillance footage confirming Gigler went overboard.
Passenger and Crew Response
Announcements about the missing passenger were made several times over the ship’s intercom
system on the morning of September 19. Passengers were instructed to return to their cabins for a headcount. Later, the captain informed them of the overboard situation. Passenger Misty Hernandez noted hearing repeated mentions of Gigler’s name and witnessing the ship’s course reversal. She also mentioned the subdued atmosphere onboard, with some passengers praying and leaving messages for the missing man. Hernandez said Gigler was traveling with his wife and children on an anniversary trip.
Carnival Cruise Line provided support to Gigler’s family, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones.” The circumstances behind the incident
remain unclear, and no further details have been confirmed regarding the passenger’s actions prior to going overboard.
