A man reportedly jumped overboard from Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Liberty while the ship was sailing between Port Canaveral and the Bahamas on Friday.
“At approximately 4:53 am on April 7, a man overboard was reported on the cruise ship Carnival Liberty as the ship was transiting between Port Canaveral, FL, and Nassau, Bahamas,” the cruise line said in a statement. “A 32 year old male guest was observed jumping from a cabin balcony. The ship’s command immediately turned the vessel around and began search procedures as well as notified the U.S. Coast Guard which deployed multiple search and rescue assets to the scene. USCG released the cruise ship to resume course for Nassau, Bahamas, that afternoon. Our CareTeam has been providing support to the missing guest’s family and loved ones. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
According to WSB-TV, witnesses reported the man, Reco Scott, 32, jump off a balcony while the ship was underway.
FOX 5 in Atlanta reports that the man was on a honeymoon with his wife. The couple had married a year ago and decided to go on a cruise for their honeymoon.
Crews from the cruise ship, the Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 and the Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. searched the area for more than 29 hours, covering 1,064 square miles. The man remains missing as the Coast Guard has suspended its search. Family members of the man have set up a GoFundMe account for help during this difficult time.