Authorities are currently searching for a man who went overboard while traveling on a Carnival cruise ship earlier this week. According to a statement from the United States Coast Guard’s Southeast division, the incident occurred on Monday when the 35-year-old victim, identified as Ronnie Lee Peale Jr. by his family, fell overboard from the Carnival Magic ship.
The ship was approximately 186 miles east of Jacksonville, Florida, at the time. The incident was reported by a person traveling with Peale Jr. late Monday afternoon, as per CBS affiliate WTKR and NBC affiliate WAVY, causing distress among the family and loved ones. Peale Jr.’s fiancée, Jennilyn Michelle Blosser, expressed her pain, stating that it was difficult to even discuss the situation. She mentioned that the cruise was meant to celebrate her birthday.
A spokesperson from Carnival Cruise Line stated that an initial review of closed circuit security footage indicated that Peale Jr. leaned over the railing of his stateroom balcony and dropped into the water at around 4:10 am early Monday morning, as reported by WTKR and WAVY.
The Carnival Magic ship, which was en route from Virginia to the Bahamas, returned on Tuesday morning in light of the ongoing search for the missing passenger, according to WTKR.
Passengers on the ship revealed that they heard the man’s name being called over the intercom multiple times before discovering that someone had gone overboard. The victim’s wife reportedly shared the news on Facebook, informing fellow passengers about the incident.
As the search efforts continue, Blosser requested prayers and expressed gratitude for the support her family has received. She shared that Peale Jr. had a wonderful time on his first cruise, making friends and enjoying the experience. The tragic event has left the family devastated, as they never imagined such a heartbreaking outcome.
