Tragedy Aboard the World’s Largest Cruise Ship: Crew Member Dies After Stabbing Coworker

Photographer: Kenneth Karsten - ShipSpotting.com

A violent incident aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has left one crew member dead and another hospitalized, following what authorities described as a deadly personal dispute between two employees.

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According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, a 35-year-old South African male crew member stabbed a 28-year-old female coworker—also from South Africa—multiple times shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. The stabbing occurred while the ship was en route back to Miami after a week-long cruise through the Caribbean.

Authorities said the man fled the scene after the attack and jumped overboard, where he was later found and pronounced dead by onboard medical personnel.

The female crew member sustained stab wounds to her upper body and was treated on the ship. Police confirmed that she is now in stable condition.

Police have not released the names of those involved, and a motive behind the attack remains unknown. An autopsy has been scheduled, and an investigation is ongoing.

In a statement to NBC News, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson described the event as “a personal dispute.” The company further told CBS News:

“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.”

Passengers on board recalled hearing the emergency code “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” broadcast over the intercom system, signaling a man overboard. The ship slowed down and turned around as part of the rescue response.

The Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, departed Miami on July 19, stopping in St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas before returning to Florida. The incident occurred during the final leg of the journey, according to CruiseMapper data.

About Icon of the Seas

Making its maiden voyage in January 2024, the Icon of the Seas measures 1,200 feet in length and spans 19 floors. It features seven pools, nine whirlpools, and what Royal Caribbean calls the “world’s largest waterpark at sea”—complete with six waterslides. The vessel can accommodate up to 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members.