Daijiworld Media Network - Miami

Miami, Jul 27: A Royal Caribbean crew member allegedly stabbed a female colleague multiple times aboard the Icon of the Seas cruise ship near San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, before jumping overboard and dying by suicide, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that the incident involved a 35-year-old South African man and a 28-year-old female crew member, also from South Africa. The woman, who suffered serious stab wounds to her upper body, is now in stable condition after receiving medical treatment onboard.

The attacker fled the scene and leapt into the sea. Despite a swift search and rescue operation, he was pronounced dead by the ship's medical staff.

Royal Caribbean termed the incident a “personal dispute” but did not share further details. “Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones,” a spokesperson said.

Police stated that an autopsy will determine the exact cause of death. The identities of the crew members have not been released.

According to CruiseMapper, the Icon of the Seas was returning to Miami from the Bahamas when the tragedy occurred. The vessel is the largest cruise ship in the world, with 20 decks and the capacity to carry over 7,600 passengers. It boasts seven swimming pools, six water slides, and the largest water park at sea—Cloud 6.

The shocking incident follows a separate case nearly a month ago when a father jumped off a Disney cruise ship to rescue his daughter who had fallen into the sea. He managed to keep her afloat for nearly 20 minutes until help arrived.

Authorities continue to investigate the Royal Caribbean incident, with questions remaining over the motive behind the brutal attack.