A false alarm over a possible man overboard situation on the Carnival Radiance cruise ship led to a temporary rescue operation off the coast of Mexico on Thursday, November 20, 2025. After a full headcount confirmed all passengers and crew were safe, the incident was attributed to a splash likely caused by marine life, and the ship resumed its journey.
The incident began when passengers aboard the Carnival Radiance reported hearing a significant splash in the water while the ship was sailing north of Ensenada, Mexico. This triggered an immediate overboard alert, a critical safety protocol designed to respond to potential emergencies at sea. The crew swiftly initiated a rescue operation, turning the vessel back to the location where the splash was observed. According to Carnival Cruise Line, the ship’s return to the area was part of standard procedure to ensure no one was in danger. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted, though their involvement remained preliminary as the situation unfolded.
Rescue efforts included the deployment of small boats from the Carnival Radiance to search the waters, as captured in video footage obtained by news outlets. Simultaneously, the crew conducted a meticulous headcount of all individuals on board, a process that verified everyone was present and accounted for. This dual approach—searching the ocean and confirming headcounts—is standard in such scenarios to quickly determine the validity of the alert. The operation, though brief, involved coordinated efforts from the ship’s safety team and potentially external authorities.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Carnival spokesperson explained that the splash was likely the result of natural causes, such as a whale breaching the surface, though this could not be confirmed. The company emphasized that all guests and crew were safe and that the ship would continue its itinerary back to Long Beach, California. This reassurance helped calm passengers, many of whom had been alarmed by the initial alert. The spokesperson highlighted that false alarms, while rare, are handled with utmost seriousness to maintain safety standards.
Additional details from TMZ reported that some passengers believed the splash occurred near the ship’s stern, where wildlife sightings are common, and speculated it might have been related to dolphins. However, without concrete evidence, the cause remains uncertain. The Carnival Radiance, which operates regular voyages between Long Beach and Mexican ports, was on its return leg when the incident happened. This route is popular for its scenic views and marine life encounters, which occasionally lead to similar misunderstandings.
This false alarm occurs against a backdrop of recent challenges for Carnival Cruise Line, including the investigation into the death of a teenager on another Carnival ship in early November. That incident, which is being probed by the FBI, has raised questions about safety protocols across the cruise industry. However, the prompt and effective response to the Radiance’s false alarm demonstrates the company’s commitment to passenger safety. Industry experts note that such events, while unsettling, often reinforce the importance of rigorous emergency drills and advanced detection systems.
With the all-clear given, the Carnival Radiance proceeded on its course, and normal activities resumed aboard the ship. The incident underscores the complexities of maritime travel, where environmental factors can mimic emergencies. Moving forward, cruise lines may invest in better technology to distinguish between real threats and false alarms, but for now, the protocols in place proved sufficient. Passengers were advised to remain vigilant but were assured that the event posed no ongoing risk, allowing the journey to conclude safely.
