Coast Guard Searches For Virginia Tech Student Who Fell Off Carnival Cruise Ship Near Bahamas

U.S. Coast Guard officials said Tuesday they are searching for a Virginia Tech student who went overboard a cruise ship near the Bahamas. Video footage reportedly shows the 21-year-old falling off the cruise ship Carnival Glory on Sunday, five miles southwest of Abaco Island in the Bahamas.

The ship was on a seven-day Caribbean cruise that left Miami on Saturday, NBC Affiliate WSLS reported.

Carnival officials as well as Virginia Tech have reportedly confirmed that the person who went overboard is a student. His identity has not yet been released. In a statement, Carnival officials said, “We extend our heartfelt sympathy and concern for the family and loved ones of our missing guest,” ABC Affiliate WRIC reported.

The Coast Guard conducted search and rescue operations in the area, and another cruise ship, the Carnival Ecstasy, had deviated course to search the area up until Monday evening. Other vessels in the area also reportedly assisted in the search.

The search was suspended at sunset on Tuesday, after an area of over 4,600 square nautical miles had been canvassed with two aircraft and a ship, WDBJ7 reported.

One Jayhawk rescue helicopter launched from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, and one search and rescue plane launched from Coast Guard Air Station Miami reportedly participated in the search.