Global Courant
The Coast Guard on Wednesday night suspended its search for a cruise ship passenger who reportedly fell into the sea east of Florida Monday morning, officials said.
Ronnie Peale, 35, was identified as the passenger who fell about 4 a.m. when the Carnival Magic cruise ship was about 110 miles east of Jacksonville.
“We never take the decision to suspend active search efforts pending further development lightly. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Peale,” said Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Christopher Hooper a statement.
The Coast Guard said it learned around 6:30 p.m. on Monday that a passenger had fallen. The search included HC-130 Hercules aircraft, an HC-144 aircraft and a cutter, a ship.
More than 5,171 square miles were searched, the Coast Guard said.
The Carnival Magic is about 300 feet long and has a capacity of nearly 3,700 passengers, in addition to about 1,300 crew members, the cruise line said. It was scheduled to arrive in Norfolk, Virginia on Tuesday.
Look for man who fell off Carnival cruise ship nearby
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