Man, 20, Jumps From Cruise Ship
A relaxing cruise turned into a nightmare for passengers aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas on Thursday morning.
At around 4 a.m., an 18-year-old man made the impulsive decision to jump off one of the decks. The incident occurred while the ship was sailing between Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island. Witnesses report that the man’s father and brother were present and watched helplessly as he leaped overboard.
Passengers on the ship recalled that the man had been drinking and appeared to be intoxicated. According to Bryan Sims, a passenger who had been hanging out with the man and his brother in the hot tub before the incident, “He was pretty drunk.”
Sims also said that the man’s father had been scolding him for drinking before the situation escalated. Sims described the moment when the man jumped, stating, “He sat right beside me the whole time…he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all.”
The crew of the Liberty of the Seas immediately launched a search and rescue effort with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard. Deborah Morrison, another passenger, said that the crew was “alerted immediately” and that “his family was horrified.” Passengers on the ship were shaken by the incident and many tried to help in any way they could. Amy Phelps Fouse, a passenger on the ship, said that it was “definitely somber” on the ship in the early morning as guests stared at the sea, hoping to be able to assist in the search.
In a statement to The Post, Royal Caribbean expressed their support and condolences for the family of the man, saying that their “Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time.” They also confirmed that the search and rescue operation was ongoing and that the Coast Guard had taken over the search. The statement also mentioned that for the privacy of the guest and their family, no further details could be shared at this time.
The incident has brought attention to the safety measures on cruise ships and the rare but devastating incidents of overboard deaths. According to the Washington Post, approximately 386 people were reported to have gone overboard on the major cruise lines between 2000 to 2020.
Most cruise lines have implemented onboard safety measures and surveillance systems in recent years to help reduce the risk of overboard deaths. However, these incidents can still occur, and the Coast Guard and cruise lines continuously work to improve safety protocols.
The Coast Guard confirmed that they are still conducting a search and rescue operation in the waters off Cuba, but the man has not yet been found. As the search continues, the mood on the Liberty of the Seas remains somber. Passengers are trying to stay updated on the situation, and Royal Caribbean has been commended for their communication and handling of the tragic incident. They have also asked that people act with compassion in light of the situation.
The news of the incident quickly spread among passengers on the ship, and many took to social media to share their shock and concern. Some have expressed sadness at the loss of a young life, while others have praised the crew and Coast Guard for their efforts in trying to locate the man. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and the Coast Guard has not released any further information at this time. As the details continue to unfold, the tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise on a seemingly routine vacation.