Crew Member Dies After Going Overboard On World's Largest Cruise Ship

A crew member aboard the world's largest cruise liner, Icon of the Seas, died after going overboard on Thursday (July 24). The incident occurred near San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, about 200 miles east of Nassau. The crew member, who has not been identified, was recovered from the water but was pronounced dead shortly after.

The ship's operator, Royal Caribbean, confirmed the death and extended condolences to the crew member's family and loved ones. The ship's crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation after the overboard alarm, known as an Oscar alarm, was triggered around 7 p.m.

Life preservers were deployed, and the crew member was located approximately 30 minutes later. Despite rescue efforts, the individual succumbed to their injuries.

The Royal Bahamian Police Force is investigating the incident.

The Royal Caribbean Blog noted that Icon of the Seas was en route to Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island resort, at the time of the incident. The ship is on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary and is expected to return to PortMiami on Sunday.

This tragic event follows a similar incident in May 2024, when a male passenger went overboard on the same vessel. The Icon of the Seas, which entered service in January 2024, is a 1,200-foot-long vessel that can host up to 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.