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Coast Guard Search For Man Who Went Overboard Carnival Ship Off Florida Keys

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Officials say a 26-year-old man went overboard from the Carnival Victory Cruise ship Friday morning, about 35 miles south of Islamorada.

The ship was returning to Miami from a four-night cruise that stopped in Key West and Cozumel.

Passenger Debbie Karst said, "About 4 o'clock this morning we started receiving announcements in our cabins."

Another passenger added, "They kept saying his name over and over and they told everybody stay in your room till it's clear."

The ship turned around for a few hours to search.

Passengers aboard the almost 900-foot cruise ship took to Twitter with update.

They showed pictures of the missing man that popped up on their television screens. Someone showed CBS4 a photo of he and the woman he was repeatedly traveling with.

Then around noon, the ship made its way back to Port Miami.

Passengers said a letter was left on their beds when they returned tot heir rooms after dinner. It was signed by the Captain and read in part:

"We are continuing our search and rescue efforts for our missing guest...once again thank you for your patience and understanding. Please keep our guest and his family in your thoughts and prayers."

The US Coast Guard has not said if the man was found.

Passengers who missed their flights have been compensated by Carnival Cruise Line.

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