Featured Image Credit: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
Topics: Cruise Ship, News
Kya Buller
A 20-year-old man went overboard on an 18-story cruise ship, sparking a search and rescue mission.
Reports have stated he ‘jumped off’ Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas in front of his family.
The ship was sailing between Cuba and the Bahamas' Grand Inagua Island and the man is said to have jumped around 4:00 am on Thursday (April 4).
Onlookers state that his father and brother looked on ‘helplessly’.
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It is hard to imagine what could have possibly led to the unnamed man leaping from the 15-deck ship.
The tragic news has been further confirmed by passengers, who said it appeared to be an ‘impulsive’ and ‘spur of the moment’ decision.
The Royal Caribbean have given a statement, provided to The NY Post, following the incident. They said: "The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the US Coast Guard, who has taken over the search.
“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”
There are a number of passengers who were onboard at the time of the tragedy who have recollected the events.
One man, Bryan Sims, said: "I had hung out with him and his brother in the hot tub until 3:30.
"It was standing room only. He sat right beside me the whole time.
“He was pretty drunk.”
Sims then continued: “As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess.
“When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now'. And he jumped out the window in front of us all.”
Reflecting on what he witnessed, Sims concluded: "It was insane. It was just surreal.”
A second passenger onboard, Deborah Morrison, added: "There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately.
“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through.”
While it is impossible to picture the horror on board the Liberty of the Seas, a third passenger has tried to shed some light. Amy Phelps Fouse said: "The early morning was definitely sombre as so many people came out of their cabins to stare at the sea, hoping to be able to aid in finding the person.
“Royal Caribbean has been excellent at communicating updates throughout the day.
“They have asked that people act with compassion in light of the tragic situation.”
LADbible Group contacted Royal Caribbean and the Coast Guard for comment.