A passenger has died after trying to jump overboard a Princess Cruises ship as it headed to Florida after a cruise around the Caribbean before Christmas.
The incident reportedly took place on Saturday, December 21 at the air princess, that was on the last day of an eight-day trip to the Western Caribbean.
The ship left Fort Lauderdale on December 15 before sailing to Princess Cays in the Bahamas, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel and returning to Port Everglades on Sunday.
The unnamed woman's death was confirmed by Princess Cruises in a statement Cruise radio: “Princess Cruises is deeply saddened to confirm the death of a 48-year-old American female guest who attempted to jump overboard aboard Sky Princess earlier today.
“The guest fell to a lower deck, where she was promptly rescued.
“The ship's personnel immediately provided emergency medical care, but despite their efforts, she could not be resuscitated.”
“Our sincere condolences go out to the guest's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Emergency services are being offered to guests and crew members affected by this event.”
The cruise line added that it was cooperating with local and federal authorities as they investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A TikTok posted by an apparent passenger on the Heaven princess recorded an announcement that was played on board after the woman's death.
It confirmed to passengers that the woman had attempted to jump overboard and fell to a lower deck and could not be saved despite the best efforts of staff.
The announcer acknowledged that the event “may be upsetting for many of you” and offered support services to any guests who felt affected.
The incident comes weeks after another Princess Cruises passenger boarded the Ruby Princess was feared dead after falling overboard.
The 72-year-old man is believed to have died after falling overboard before docking in San Francisco following a Princess Cruises trip to Mexico.
The passenger, who has not yet been identified, reportedly fell from the plane Ruby Princess ship after a five-day voyage to Ensenada, Mexico, departing on November 27.
When the ship docked in San Francisco around 6:50 a.m. Monday, the man was reported missing.
The cruise line confirmed the male passenger was traveling alone.
After several searches of the ship and a review of CCTV footage, the disappearance was labeled a “man overboard incident” by the cruise line “after ruling out other possibilities.”
The independent has contacted Princess Cruises and Port Everglades for comment.
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