Royal Caribbean Crew Member Dies After Stabbing Coworker, Jumping Overboard

A Royal Caribbean crew member died after jumping overboard following an attack on a coworker. The incident occurred on the Icon of the Seas cruise ship.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that a 35-year-old South African man stabbed a 28-year-old South African female crew member multiple times. The attack took place shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. After the stabbing, the man fled and jumped from the ship. He was later declared dead by the ship's medical staff.

The female victim sustained stab wounds to her upper body. She received treatment and is now in stable condition. Authorities have not yet determined the motive for the stabbing, and the identities of the crew members involved have not been released.

Royal Caribbean described the incident as a "personal dispute." The company also stated that a search and rescue operation was immediately initiated. The company expressed condolences to the deceased crew member's family and loved ones.

Passengers reported hearing the ship's "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" announcement, the code for a man overboard. The ship subsequently slowed and turned around. The Icon of the Seas was returning to Miami from the Bahamas when the incident occurred. The ship had previously visited St. Marteen and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, began its maiden voyage in January 2024. The ship features numerous amenities, including multiple pools, a large waterpark, and various waterslides. It can accommodate thousands of passengers and crew members.