Woman goes overboard off cruise ship near Bahamas

MIAMI, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a woman who went overboard off a Carnival Cruise Line ship Wednesday near the Bahamas.

The unidentified woman, 32, went overboard from the Carnival Ecstasy at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday as it passed 27 miles southwest of Freeport, Bahamas. Crew members aboard the ship said a woman was seen falling overboard.

A Carnival spokesperson said the person "was witnessed jumping overboard," ABC News reported.

The ship was traveling from Nassau, Bahamas, to Charleston, where it is expected to arrive Thursday.

The Coast Guard's 7th District command center in Miami said helicopter, airplane and cutter crews are assisting in the search. A Carnival statement said, "The company's Care Team is providing assistance and support to the missing guest's family on board and our thoughts and prayers are with her and family and loved ones during this difficult time."