A Royal Caribbean cruise ship worker has died after allegedly stabbing a female colleague multiple times before jumping overboard as the vessel sailed through the Bahamas.
The 35-year-old male crew member, believed to be from South Africa, was reported to have launched a violent attack on his 28-year-old coworker aboard the Icon of the Seas on Thursday.
Emergency teams responded to the scene, where the woman was found with multiple stab wounds.
She was treated by the ship’s onboard medical team and is currently in a stable condition, according to a statement from Royal Caribbean.
Footage shared by passengers showed the aftermath of the incident, with rescue operations underway to retrieve the male suspect from the water after he went overboard.
Despite the efforts of medical staff who performed CPR once the man recovered, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Royal Caribbean confirmed the incident, stating: “One of the crew members was injured, [she] was attended to by the onboard medical team, and she is now in stable condition.” Unfortunately, the other crew member is deceased after he went overboard.”
Passengers onboard received an “Oscar” alert — the cruise industry’s emergency signal indicating that a person has fallen into the sea — prompting a ship-wide response.
The vessel, which was en route to near San Salvador Island, approximately 200 miles east of Nassau, diverted course in an attempt to retrieve the man from the ocean.
“We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share,” Royal Caribbean added in a follow-up statement to Cruise Hive.
The cruise ship, which is currently on a seven-day voyage, remains on schedule to return to its home port in Miami on Saturday.
The Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise liner, measuring over 1,200 feet in length, with a capacity for up to 7,600 guests and a gross tonnage of 250,800.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing. It is not yet known what led to the stabbing or whether prior concerns had been raised about the crew member’s conduct.
Passenger services on board reportedly resumed hours after the incident, although some guests expressed concern about safety and staff wellbeing following the tragedy.
Authorities in the Bahamas are expected to collaborate with the cruise line to gather evidence and interview witnesses once the ship docks in Miami.
Royal Caribbean has not released the names of the crew members involved, citing privacy for the families affected.
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