Overboard cruise passenger rescued in Gulf of Mexico by Coast Guard

A Carnival Cruise Line passenger who went overboard Wednesday night was rescued on Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Carnival Valor had left New Orleans on Wednesday for Cozumel, Mexico.

The passenger, a unnamed man, had last been seen leaving a bar on the ship around 11 p.m. Wednesday by his sister. He was reported missing Thursday after it was discovered he never returned to his room.

The Coast Guard was called at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, with the Valor aiding in rescue efforts.

“Carnival Valor retraced its route to support the search and rescue,” Carnival spokesman Matt Lupoli told CNN. 

After another vessel’s crew spotted the man in the Gulf, a Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched to fly him to New Orleans. The Valor was released by the Coast Guard and resumed its voyage to Cozumel.

The man was found responsive at the time of the rescue. He was treated by medical personnel at Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, Coast Guard Petty Officer Ryan Graves told CNN.