WASHINGTON, Nov 16, (Agencies): A search operation is underway for a 28-year-old man from Louisiana who went missing during a Carnival cruise with his family. The Carnival Glory crew reported the disappearance on Monday afternoon, prompting the Coast Guard’s Heartland Division to issue a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Tyler Barnett, originally from Houma, was last seen by two relatives just before 11:45 pm local time on Sunday, as per family reports. Carnival Cruise Line stated that their security team immediately conducted a search of the ship after receiving the report of the missing guest.

On Monday, a broader search for the man was initiated after authorities were notified, with crews covering over 200 miles of the ship’s voyage path. However, the search faced challenges due to "dangerous weather conditions," leading to a temporary pause overnight.

The Coast Guard affirmed their commitment to resume the search as soon as it is safe to do so, deploying additional search assets. The timeline of the man's potential fall overboard remains unclear, as indicated by the Coast Guard's statement.

Family members disclosed that Barnett's passenger card showed activity at the ship’s casino around 12:15 am and at his room just before 12:30 am. Despite this, his bed appeared untouched. Carnival crew members initiated the search for Barnett at approximately 7:30 am, and the Coast Guard joined the efforts around 1 pm.

Carnival Cruise Line assured that its Care Team is providing support to the missing guest's family on board. The ship is expected to arrive in Montego Bay, Jamaica, as scheduled on Wednesday.

Anxiety and concern loom among family members, with Kathy Diane Rouse and Dirlean Tate Mason both reaching out for prayers on social media. Rouse, in a Facebook post, urged everyone to pray for her grandnephew's safe return, while Mason expressed hope and prayer for his safe discovery, stating, "Our hearts are breaking. I can't believe this is happening."