FBI Probes Missing Cruise Ship Passenger

The FBI said it is investigating the disappearance of a North Carolina man from a cruise ship sailing through the Bahamas.

Brent Smith, 24, of Fremont, N.C., was last seen around 1:45 a.m. Monday on his stateroom balcony aboard the Freedom of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean International. Relatives reported him missing around 8:30 a.m., according to a cruise ship statement.

The ship turned around at that point to search for Smith, who was traveling with his brother, Matthew Smith, and his brother's girlfriend, said FBI spokesman Harry Rodriguez. Coast Guard crews launched a search as well.

The Coast Guard suspended a search for Smith on Wednesday, saying he likely won't be found.

The ship docked Wednesday in Puerto Rico so that FBI experts could determine whether foul play was involved, Rodriguez said. He declined to say whether agents retrieved any evidence from Smith's cabin or other areas.

The Freedom of the Seas, carrying more than 4,000 passengers, will return Sunday to Miami.

Cruise lines reported at least 24 missing people from 2000 to 2005, compared with the estimated 10 million passengers that travel every year.