Passenger Dead After Jumping Off World's Largest Cruise Ship
Details of the Incident
On May 28th, 2024, tragedy struck on the maiden voyage of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. A male passenger, whose identity has not been released, jumped overboard during the ship's first night at sea as it sailed towards Honduras. The incident occurred approximately 300 miles from Port Miami.
According to information provided by the US Coast Guard, the cruise ship's rescue boats were immediately deployed and located the man in critical condition. He was brought back aboard for medical attention, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The Coast Guard assisted in the search and rescue operation but did not play a major role in the incident.
Timeline and Response
The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 PM on Sunday, May 27th, shortly after the Icon of the Seas had departed from Port Miami, Florida. The ship stopped for approximately two hours while rescue crews searched for and retrieved the passenger.
Passengers on board the ship shared videos and accounts of the rescue mission. Some expressed shock that the man was initially found alive, given the height of the ship and the strong currents in the ocean.
The Icon of the Seas: A Floating City
The Icon of the Seas is a marvel of modern engineering, boasting 20 decks and stretching nearly the size of four city blocks. It offers an unparalleled array of amenities, including:
- A 17,000-square-foot water park with six waterslides and seven pools
- The 40,000-gallon Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea
- Absolute Zero, the largest ice skating rink at sea
- A theater, carousel, and over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges
The ship's massive size and opulent amenities have made it a popular destination for cruise enthusiasts worldwide. However, the tragic incident serves as a reminder that even on the most luxurious of vessels, safety must always be a top priority.
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