Coast Guard searches for man who fell from cruise ship

MIAMI – The U.S. Coast Guard says crews are searching for a Florida man who fell off a Carnival cruise ship near Cuba.

A Coast Guard news release says 23-year-old Brandon Paul went overboard from the eighth deck of the Carnival Victory at about 3 a.m. Wednesday. The ship was about 30 miles (50 kilometres) northwest of Pinar Del Rio, Cuba.

Cruise ship crewmembers launched a search boat and contacted the Coast Guard, which directed a search plane and cutter to the area. The cruise ship remained at the scene to help with the search. Cuban authorities also were assisting.

A Carnival news release says crewmembers were providing support to Paul’s travelling companions.

The Miami-based ship was travelling between Key West and Cozumel on a four-day cruise.