Crew Member Dies After Going Overboard from 7,600-Passenger Ship

A 35-year-old crew member of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship Icon of the Seas has died after going overboard on Thursday evening, July 24, 2025, according to news reports. The incident took place about 200 miles off the coast of the Bahamas.

According to WSVN 7News, a “man overboard” call was issued around 7:00 p.m. Cellphone footage captured rescue efforts, and the crew member was located and pulled onto a boat but ultimately, they did not survive.

Other passengers, who were also on Icon, reported on Reddit that life preservers were immediately dropped into the water after the overboard incident

The online reports stated that an “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” announcement was made around 7:18 PM and that security personnel closed blinds and discouraged passengers from congregating near the ship’s edges.

Royal Caribbean issued the following statement about the incident:

“Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share.”

Social media users praised the crew’s “phenomenal job” and quick recovery efforts.

With some recent stories of passengers going overboard from cruise ships it’s important to note that in these situations people don’t just fall off the ship.  In almost every case either someone jumped or had to deliberately climb over a barrier or railing, which is against any cruise line’s policy.

While this story is still being investigated, some initial reports from the police investigation in the Bahamas are saying that the 35-year-old crew member had stabbed a 28-year-old crew member before jumping into the water. The female stab victim is currently in stable condition.

Icon of the Seas was on its way to Perfect Dat at CocoCay at the time of the incident.  The trip is expected to continue as planned and return to PortMiami on Saturday.