Passenger on Royal Caribbean cruise ship sustains injury following collapse of water slide
In a shocking incident that occurred on July 24, an acrylic glass panel on the "Frightening Bolt" water slide aboard Royal Caribbean's recently launched Icon of the Seas shattered while an adult guest was inside. The incident, which was captured on passenger video, caused the guest to be injured and water to gush through the break.
Royal Caribbean promptly provided medical care to the injured passenger onboard and closed the slide for the remainder of the sailing, initiating an investigation. Reports indicate the acrylic panel was already cracked before the guest’s ride, with a prior guest having sustained a slight cut from the cracked glass, suggesting the panel had existing damage prior to breaking fully during the second rider’s descent.
The cruise line stated the slide will remain closed pending a full investigation into the incident, indicating a commitment to safety reviews before reopening. Experts note that cruise ship attractions like water slides are subject to continuous inspections to identify cracks or damage, and rides are taken out of service at the first sign of problems. This incident underscores the importance of such inspections and prompt action when damage is detected.
No further injuries were reported from falling glass shards, and the slide failure did not cause passengers to fall through. The investigation remains ongoing, and the cruise resumed its itinerary after returning to port.
In a separate incident, a crew member from South Africa allegedly stabbed another crew member from South Africa on the same ship. The suspect in the incident fled the scene and jumped into the water, where he was retrieved unresponsive. The victim sustained stab wounds to her upper body and is in stable condition. The suspect was pronounced dead by onboard medical staff.
Royal Caribbean Group confirmed that the guest is being treated for injuries sustained in the water slide incident, but did not identify the crew members involved in the stabbing incident. The cruise is expected to return to Miami on Aug. 9.
This unfortunate series of events highlights the importance of safety measures and prompt response in such situations. Royal Caribbean has assured passengers that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone onboard their ships.
- The general news coverage has been focusing on not only the water slide incident that led to an injured passenger on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, but also a separate incident of a crew member from South Africa allegedly stabbing another crew member, both occurring on the same ship.
- Underlining the gravity of the safety concerns, the sports and recreational areas of Royal Caribbean ships, such as water slides, are subject to regular inspections to prevent accidents and ensure passengers' well-being, as highlighted by the recent incident where a panel on the "Frightening Bolt" slide was found to have existing damage.
