A 28-year-old South African woman working aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is recovering in hospital after she was stabbed multiple times in an onboard attack.
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the suspect – also a South African and reportedly her co-worker and partner – died after jumping overboard moments after the incident.
The tragedy occurred while the cruise ship was sailing near San Salvador Island.
Medical response and victim’s vondition
The injured crew member was treated immediately by the ship’s medical staff and later airlifted to Miami, where she remains in stable condition.
Witnesses say the 35-year-old male suspect fled the scene after the stabbing, climbed over a railing, and jumped into the ocean.
A rescue operation was launched within minutes, but the man was found unresponsive.
He was declared dead on board a rescue vessel.
Investigation underway
Police believe the stabbing was linked to a domestic dispute between the two.
Authorities are interviewing passengers and crew to reconstruct the events leading up to the attack and the suspect’s fatal jump.
“We are gathering statements and evidence. Witness accounts are key to completing our investigation,” a police spokesperson said.
A full report will be released once the investigation concludes.
Royal Caribbean reacts
Cruise operator Royal Caribbean confirmed the incident and has pledged its full cooperation with Bahamian authorities.
“Crew safety is a top priority,” the company stated.
“We are supporting those affected and working closely with investigators.”
Broader concerns over crew safety
This is the second violent incident involving a South African crew member at sea this year.
In an earlier case, 20-year-old Paige Bell was found dead in the engine room of a private yacht.
A Mexican crew member is currently facing culpable homicide charges.
Passengers and maritime staff have voiced growing concern over the safety of South African nationals working in the cruise and yachting industries.
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