The U.S. Coast Guard conducted a thorough search operation in the Gulf of Mexico for a 28-year-old man from Houma, Louisiana, who disappeared from the Carnival Glory cruise ship.
Setting sail from New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 12, 2023, the Carnival Glory began its week-long cruise destined for Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, and Cozumel, Mexico. The ship’s return to New Orleans is scheduled for November 19, 2023.
Tyler Lee Barnett, the missing passenger, was last seen around 11:40 pm on Sunday. This was confirmed by his sister, who was also on board the Carnival Glory, along with other family members. Following the realization of his absence early Monday morning on November 13, 2023, the ship’s security team immediately started a search and reviewed onboard camera footage. They promptly alerted the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard launched a search operation on Monday afternoon. Aircrews scoured a 200-square-mile area off the coast of Louisiana near SouthWest Pass. The operation, however, faced significant challenges from adverse weather conditions. Gale-force winds and high seas, with waves ranging from 8 to 12 feet, hindered the search and led to a pause overnight. The search resumed with additional resources as soon as the weather conditions allowed.
In the meantime, the Carnival Glory was permitted to continue its scheduled journey, proceeding to its next destination, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Initially, there were no reports suggesting that someone had fallen or jumped overboard. The search was initiated based on Barnett’s unaccounted presence on the ship. The Coast Guard issued notifications to mariners in the Gulf of Mexico, informing them of the missing passenger and the ongoing search.
However, on November 15, it was disclosed that security footage from the ship showed Barnett, a father of 3-year-old twin girls, jumping overboard at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Monday. Reports indicate he accessed the jumping point by climbing onto a lifeboat. This footage has not been shared with the public.
Barnett’s family and friends have been actively using social media to gather information and support for the search.
The Carnival Glory, a ship spanning 952 feet in length, has a capacity for 2,980 passengers and 1,150 crew members. As of the latest updates, the cruise line has not provided further comments on the incident.