A tragic onboard incident has rocked the maritime industry as a crew member aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas—the world’s largest cruise ship—stabbed a female colleague before jumping overboard and later dying from the injuries sustained.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed the events occurred on the evening of Thursday, July 24, around 7:30 p.m., while the ship was sailing near San Salvador Island, Bahamas.
A 35-year-old male crew member from South Africa reportedly stabbed a 28-year-old South African female colleague multiple times in the upper body during a personal dispute.
He then fled the scene and jumped into the ocean.
Contrary to initial media claims of an accidental fall, police clarified it was a deliberate act following an onboard altercation.
Rescue Efforts and Outcome
- Crew threw life rings to mark the overboard location.
- A high-speed rescue boat was immediately deployed.
- The man was found unconscious in the water, brought aboard, but could not be revived.
- The female victim received immediate medical care onboard and is currently in stable condition.
About Icon of the Seas
- Largest cruise ship in the world
- On a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary
- The ship was en route to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island
- Despite the incident, the cruise schedule remained unchanged
- Reached CocoCay on time (July 25)
- Expected to return to PortMiami on July 26
Official Statements & Onboard Response
Royal Caribbean International confirmed the following:
- The event was due to a personal dispute between two crew members
- No passengers were harmed
- Onboard security and medical teams responded promptly
- The ship’s “Oscar Oscar Oscar” emergency code was triggered (signaling a man overboard situation)
The cruise line offered condolences to the family of the deceased and stated that out of respect for privacy, no additional details will be released.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, including any contributing health or environmental factors.
The police investigation is ongoing.
Summary of Key Facts:
Date of Incident: July 24, 2025
Location: Off San Salvador Island, Bahamas
Ship: Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Incident: Male crew member stabs female colleague, then jumps overboard
Outcome: Male crew member deceased; female victim in stable condition
Passengers: Safe and unaffected
