A suspected intoxicated cruise ship passenger has plunged overboard in a harrowing incident witnessed by his family, sending shockwaves through the decks of the 18-storey Liberty of the Seas.
The 20-year-old man reportedly exclaimed, “I’ll fix this right now,” before leaping out of a window of the massive Royal Caribbean vessel, leaving his relatives in a state of distress.
The incident unfolded at approximately 4 am on Thursday during the ship’s journey between Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island, leaving fellow passengers stunned at the sudden and tragic turn of events.
Eyewitnesses recounted the heartbreaking scene as the man’s father and brother looked on helplessly as he descended over the ship’s side, prompting an immediate response from the US Coast Guard to commence search and rescue operations.
According to passenger Bryan Sims, who described the man as “pretty drunk,” he had been socializing with him and his brother in a hot tub until the early hours of the morning. Sims recalled encountering the man’s father and brother as they walked back to the elevators, noting an apparent altercation between the father and son regarding his intoxicated state.
In a chilling moment, the distressed man reportedly uttered, “I’ll fix this now,” before abruptly leaping from the window in full view of the witnesses.
Deborah Morrison, another passenger onboard, described the chaotic aftermath, noting the family’s evident horror and distress. She expressed her sympathies, acknowledging the unimaginable anguish they must be enduring.
Responding promptly to the situation, Royal Caribbean confirmed that their crew initiated search and rescue efforts in collaboration with the US Coast Guard. The cruise line’s Care Team is providing support and assistance to the family during this difficult time, respecting their privacy by refraining from disclosing further details.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes tragic consequences of impulsive actions, especially in environments where alcohol consumption is prevalent. The repercussions of the incident will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the cruise ship community, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and support mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
