Father of Three Dies After Falling From Cruise Ship En Route to California
Thomas Gigler, 56, went overboard from the Carnival Panorama during an anniversary trip; search efforts were launched.
New details have emerged regarding the final moments of Thomas Gigler, a 56-year-old California father of three who disappeared Saturday after falling from a cruise ship. Gigler went overboard from the Carnival Panorama as the vessel sailed from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, toward Long Beach.
Gigler and his wife, Michelle, 48, of Redlands, were reportedly celebrating their anniversary on the cruise. Gigler, a computer programmer who previously worked for Esri for 24 years, is presumed dead.
Passengers in cabins near the Giglers' accommodations on the ship's second deck reported that Gigler would have had to ascend approximately nine decks to reach the 11th deck, where he is believed to have fallen. The 11th deck includes various passenger cabins, spa facilities, children's venues like Camp Ocean and Dr. Seuss Bookville, and specialty restaurants.
Carnival confirmed that its crew initiated search and investigation procedures upon being notified of the missing guest. These procedures included reviewing security footage and alerting the U.S. and Mexican Coast Guards. The Mexican Navy and nearby commercial vessels also participated in the search.
According to passenger Lorrie Freed-Silva, who was on the ninth deck, an announcement was made around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday instructing passengers to return to their cabins. The initial announcement did not specify the reason but indicated a need for a passenger count. Freed-Silva stated the message was repeated multiple times.
Approximately 45 minutes later, a loudspeaker announcement confirmed a passenger was missing. About 15 minutes after that, passengers were informed that a man had gone overboard and that security footage had verified the incident. The ship then turned around to search the waters, with the Coast Guard joining the effort, Freed-Silva reported.
A video shared on Facebook by another passenger showed a cruise official addressing those on board, stating, "We have yet to locate the missing guest. Our fleet operation in Miami and appropriate authorities have been notified." The official added, "In the meantime, we continue for the family and friends. Our search efforts continue and we will keep you informed. Thank you again for the cooperation."
Another passenger, Misty Hernandez, shared footage of passengers creating a memorial for Gigler, leaving handwritten messages, prayers, rubber ducks, and teddy bears. Hernandez described the scene as passengers coming together in a "quiet but powerful way" to create a space for tributes.
Gigler's sister, Wendy Dowden, told the Daily Mail that reports of Gigler discussing marital problems the night before his disappearance were inaccurate, stating that he and his wife "were getting along quite well."
Carnival has not released further updates on the incident as of Wednesday. The ship resumed its journey to Long Beach after the search concluded.