Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
A tragic and surreal incident aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has left passengers shaken and authorities investigating. The world’s largest cruise ship was sailing near San Salvador, Bahamas on July 24, when a crew member allegedly stabbed another colleague before leaping overboard to his death.
The suspect, a male crew member whose identity has not yet been officially released, reportedly used a sharp object in the attack, which resulted in serious injuries to a fellow crewman. According to CBS News, ship officials immediately activated emergency protocols.
Despite rapid response efforts — including an extensive search and rescue attempt involving the U.S. Coast Guard and Bahamian authorities — the overboard crew member was later found deceased.
The victim of the stabbing survived and was treated by medical staff on board.
The incident occurred on the fourth day of the Icon of the Seas‘ seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, which departed Miami, Florida on July 20 and was scheduled to visit St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Miami on July 27. It was during the ship’s transit between ports — in Bahamian waters — that the violent altercation unfolded.
Passengers described an eerie quiet as the ship slowed and announcements were made about the search. Some were aware something serious had happened, but few details were provided during the sailing.
Royal Caribbean has yet to issue a full statement on the matter, and the names of both individuals involved remain withheld. The matter is under active investigation by maritime and Bahamian authorities.
The Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, carries more than 7,600 passengers and crew and is registered in The Bahamas.
