CALIFORNIA DAD, 56, DISAPPEARS FROM CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP DURING ANNIVERSARY TRIP WITH WIFE

A family vacation meant to celebrate a 15th wedding anniversary has turned into a heartbreaking search after a California father disappeared from a Carnival cruise ship while traveling with his wife and three sons.

Thomas Gigler, 56, of Redlands, California, was aboard the Carnival Panorama with his wife, Michelle, 48, and their three children when he went overboard during the ship’s return journey from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Long Beach, California.

The incident happened during the final days of the family’s seven-night cruise, which had departed Long Beach on September 13.

A FAMILY TRIP TURNS INTO A DESPERATE SEARCH

According to reports, Michelle realized that her husband was missing and alerted the ship’s crew.

Cruise staff reportedly made repeated announcements asking Thomas to come forward as passengers and crew searched the vessel.

The ship eventually turned around as the search intensified.

Passengers were later asked to return to their rooms while crew members carried out a detailed search and reviewed surveillance footage.

Carnival confirmed that its team followed search and investigation procedures after being notified of a missing passenger, including reviewing CCTV footage and contacting the U.S. and Mexican Coast Guards.

CCTV APPEARED TO CAPTURE WHAT HAPPENED

According to Carnival and multiple reports, security footage showed that the passenger had gone overboard.

The vessel was sailing off the coast of Baja California at the time.

The ship ultimately continued toward Long Beach and docked on Sunday after completing its seven-night itinerary.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched fixed-wing aircraft to assist with the search, while the Mexican Navy and commercial vessels in the area also participated.

As of the latest reports, Thomas had not been found.

HIS FAMILY IS SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

Thomas’ sister, Wendy Dowden, told media that the family was struggling to understand what happened.

She said the family did not believe there had been problems in his marriage and suggested that something unexpected may have happened shortly before he went overboard.

However, authorities and Carnival have not publicly provided a reason for his actions, and it would be inappropriate to speculate about what may have been happening with him.

Reports also said Thomas was not known to have told anyone about an intention to leave the ship.

DAYS BEFORE THEIR 15TH ANNIVERSARY

One of the most heartbreaking details for the family is the timing.

Thomas and Michelle were due to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on Wednesday — just four days after he disappeared.

Instead of returning home from their family vacation, Michelle and their three sons are now facing an ongoing search.

Other passengers aboard the Carnival Panorama reportedly created a small memorial for Thomas, leaving handwritten messages, prayers and other tributes for his family.

SEARCH EFFORT CONTINUES

Carnival said it is supporting the family and expressed sympathy for Thomas’ loved ones.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican authorities have continued coordinating the search in the waters where he is believed to have gone overboard.

For now, Thomas’ family is still waiting for answers as authorities continue their efforts to locate him.

The case remains under investigation, and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance have not been publicly explained.

A family holiday that was supposed to mark 15 years of marriage has instead become an agonizing wait for a father, husband and loved one to be found.