From Cruise Hive

A man from the Symphony of the Seas cruise ship currently on an Eastern Caribbean sailing has gone overboard.

Overboard on Symphony of the Seas

We are extremely sad to report that an Australian man has died after being overboard the Symphony of the Seas cruise ship which is operated by Royal Caribbean. According to a passenger who is currently on the cruise ship, a rescue boat from the ship was launched in the early hours of approximately 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM. Sadly the boat found the man who had died and returned back to the Royal Caribbean ship.

The popular Cruise Law News site was the first to post about the overboard and has long been reporting about cruise lines not having man overboard detection systems in place. The large vessel also stopped its route to begin overboard procedures which would usually include turning the ship around to retrace and begin a search. If there are any other vessels in the area they will often help in the search too but in this case, that might not have occurred.

We’ve updated this post with a statement which Royal Caribbean provided to Cruise Hive:

We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on the Symphony of the Seas en route to Saint Thomas this morning. 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. 

Upon the initial report that an Australian adult male had gone overboard, our ship immediately turned, launched a rescue boat, and conducted a full-scale search. We are working closely with authorities and will continue to assist in their investigation.

At the time of the overboard, Symphony of the Seas was sailing from St. Kitts to St. Thomas, both in the Eastern Caribbean. The ship departed St. Kitts at around 5:00 PM on Tuesday and is scheduled to arrive in St. Thomas today at around 7:00 AM.

The ship, which is currently the largest cruise ship in the world is sailing a 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary out of Miami, Florida. The final port of call will be at Royal Caribbeans newly upgraded private island of Perfect Day at Cococay in the Bahamas on Friday. The ship will return to its homeport on Saturday.

This must be a very difficult time for the man’s family and friends. No details are yet known on the circumstances of the overboard and if he is a crew member or a passenger.

Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship and has a gross tonnage of over 288,000 along with a passenger capacity of 5,500.

This follows two recent overboard passengers from two different Princess cruise ships. We posted just days ago of a man who jumped from the Majestic Princesswhich is based out of China. Also, a Tawainese woman apparently fell from Island Princess which is also based in Asia, she sadly died.

For more on this story go to; https://www.cruisehive.com/tragic-symphony-of-the-seas-overboard-being-reported/33617