Key Aspects:
- Search efforts for a guest confirmed overboard from Carnival Panorama on September 19, 2026 have been suspended unless new information is reported.
- The US Coast Guard noted that combined search efforts covered more than 1,707 square miles of the ocean surface 57 miles off the Mexican coast without success.
- The guest has been identified as 56-year-old Tom Gigler, who was onboard Carnival Panorama with his wife and family to celebrate an upcoming wedding anniversary.
Days after a guest jumped overboard from Carnival Panorama as the ship was sailing back to Long Beach, California, the US Coast Guard (USCG) suspended search efforts to locate the individual on Tuesday, September 22.
A review of onboard CCTV footage from the time of the incident confirmed the 56-year-old male guest, now identified as Tom Gigler, deliberately jumped off the ship on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
At first, the guest was only believed missing. Cruise Hive reported on the extensive onboard search and subsequent overboard alert. At the time, all guests were asked to return to their staterooms for a full headcount and multiple public address announcements were made in an effort to locate Gigler.
Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Alameda watch standers received the alert of a missing guest and possible overboard at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 19 with Carnival Panorama reporting the guest had last been seen at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Friday, September 18.
Multiple USCG resources were mobilized for the search 57 miles off the Pacific coast of Mexico. The USCG also coordinated with Mexican authorities and good samaritans to thoroughly cover the area.
In total, more than 41 hours of searching covered more than 1,707 square miles with no success. Should new information be discovered, it is possible the search may be resumed, though this is unlikely.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Mr. Tom Gigler,” said Captain Jessica Davila, chief of incident management, Coast Guard Southwest District. “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.”
People identified Gigler, noting that he was sailing aboard the 4,008-guest Carnival Panorama with his wife and their three sons to celebrate his fifteenth wedding anniversary, which would have been on Wednesday, September 23.
The ship had departed Long Beach, California on a 7-night Mexican Riviera sailing on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. The overboard incident occurred after the ship had departed Puerto Vallarta and was at sea returning to Long Beach.
The ship did reverse course to assist in the search efforts, but there was no delay reported in her return to Long Beach.
Why Searches Are Suspended
While there is always hope that an overboard guest might be successfully located and rescued, that is sadly not the common outcome from such incidents.
The USCG and other authorities will end search efforts when it becomes less and less probable that an individual could be safely located. Factors such as water temperature, weather conditions, the type of fall, and the time from the initial overboard report all contribute to the decision to end a search.
In April 2026, the USCG called off a search for a crew member overboard from Norwegian Breakaway after less than a day. That incident took place in the waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where much cooler water temperatures would have played a significant role in survivability, with hypothermia possible in as little as 15-30 minutes.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with Gigler’s family members and friends at this very difficult time.
