(ProsperNews.net) – A man died after jumping from the deck of the world’s largest cruise ship. The Icon of the Seas, which departed from the Florida coast with more than 3,000 passengers and 2,000 staff members on board, was roughly 300 miles into its journey when the incident occurred. The passenger, who has not been identified, fell more than 90 feet into the water, prompting a frantic rescue mission using the ship’s lifeboats.
Rescuers and fellow travelers described their shock at locating the injured man after a two-hour rescue mission. Passengers celebrated when he was brought back on board the ship, believing he was still alive, but they were later informed that he had succumbed to his injuries.
Crew members described the process for such incidents and said that security cameras and alarm systems meant they knew immediately that the man had jumped from the fifth deck. After the initial alert, a specialized team jumped into action, and their first task was to ascertain if visual contact could be made. The medical team on the ship was placed on high alert, and the Coast Guard was informed. Rescuers then launched into the sea, and air support was requested.
Speaking to reporters, an unnamed crew member confirmed that the man was dead when he was found and was subsequently transported to the onboard morgue.
The US Coast Guard clarified that it is the shipping company’s responsibility—in this case, Royal Caribbean—to investigate the death, and it is not obliged to publish its findings. Florida-based lawyer Keith Brais, who specializes in incidents at sea, explained that alcohol is responsible for most comparable incidents but noted that cruise companies are unlikely to confess to this due to concerns about public image.
He added that most fatalities at sea are classified as deaths “by natural causes” and that even if companies are found liable, they are only mandated to cover funeral costs and related expenses.
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