Search continues for passenger missing from Tampa cruise ship

TAMPA (FOX 13) - The U.S. Coast Guard says it will continue its search for a North Carolina man who apparently fell overboard from a cruise ship Tuesday morning, one day after the ship sailed from Tampa.

According to the Coast Guard, they are looking for Brian Lamonds, a 50-year-old from Greensboro, North Carolina.  

They say he is missing and presumably went overboard from the Carnival Paradise, which was en route to Key West. 

As night fell, crews said they would not give up, hoping Lamonds had found a way to stay alive and could be rescued.

The cruise line said it was doing everything it could to help with the search.

“We are cooperating fully with all authorities,” a Carnival spokesperson told FOX 13. “Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family.”

Coast Guard aircraft from Clearwater and Miami are scanning the Gulf of Mexico approximately 85 miles west of Fort Myers. A Coast Guard cutter from Key West is also aiding in the search.