The US Coast Guard launched a search operation on Wednesday morning for a 23-year-old man who fell off the Carnival Victory while the cruise ship was sailing 33 miles northwest of the Cuban shore. The missing person was identified as Brandon Paul, a resident of Floral City, Florida, who reportedly went overboard from the deck 8 off Carnival Victory at around 3 a.m. The cruise ship launched a search operation and contacted the Seventh Coast Guard District watchstanders.

US Coast Guard immediately dispatched HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton. Due to the proximity to Cuban territorial seas, Cuban search and rescue authorities have also assisted in the search of the missing person. Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement that Care Team was providing support to those who were traveling with Brandon Paul.

Carnival Victory was sailing on a four-day voyage between Key West and Cozumel.

#SAR mission continues by @USCGSoutheast with Key West based CG Cutter Charles Sexton crew searching for missing cruise ship passenger. pic.twitter.com/BxzSNcmblQ

— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) March 23, 2017