SAN JUAN — An Australian man has fallen to his death from a cruise ship as it approached the U.S. Virgin Islands, authorities said.
The man was traveling on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas en route to St. Thomas on Wednesday when he fell overboard.
A Royal Caribbean spokeswoman said the cruise line is officially “deeply saddened” by the incident.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones for their loss, and our care team is providing support and assistance during this difficult time,” she said.
The unnamed Australian man had gone overboard before the ship “immediately turned, launched a rescue boat, and conducted a full-scale search”, the spokeswoman said.
“We are working closely with authorities and will continue to assist in their investigation,” she said.
It’s not immediately clear what caused the man to fall. Or if he was intoxicated.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is ready to provide assistance to the man’s relatives should it be requested.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we will not provide further comment,” DFAT said.
Australians are known for their ability to party on cruise ships, perhaps far exceeding those of Americans.
“Sometimes on those ships passengers get drunk and do dumb things,” Kenneth Moolenaar said on one of the V.I. Free Press‘ Facebook platforms. “I’m not saying that this man did anything stupid. Cruising is nice. There’s plenty of food, liquor and fun. But you have to be responsible for your actions and be aware that you are aboard a Ship in the Ocean and not on dry land so you have to be careful .Just giving Sensible Advice to Future people thinking about going on a Cruise.God Bless.”