The Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's flagship that has been in service for just over a year, interrupted its itinerary and returned to PortMiami this Saturday after a passenger was injured when the acrylic glass of one of its water slides broke.
The accident occurred at the Category 6 water park, specifically on the Frightening Bolt vertical drop slide, reported Local 10.
Witnesses recorded videos where the attendees can be heard screaming after the acrylic cracked and left a hole while people were inside the slide.
"When the other gentleman got down, he cut it... and then glass fell and the water spilled out," recounted passenger Lillian Destefano.
"No one fell into the sea. Thank God!" he added.
Royal Caribbean reported that the injured guest received immediate medical attention on board and that the slide was closed while an internal investigation is underway. The company confirmed that the damage occurred in a section of acrylic glass, although it did not specify the extent of the break or the severity of the injuries.
The Icon of the Seas returned to Miami ahead of schedule to ensure the safety of passengers and to facilitate a technical assessment of the slide. Royal Caribbean stated that the rest of the water attractions will remain open, but under enhanced supervision.
This is the first serious incident reported at the water attractions of the Icon of the Seas since its inauguration, and maritime authorities may intervene if the investigation finds design or maintenance failures.
Frequently Asked Questions about the accident on the cruise ship Icon of the Seas
What happened on the cruise Icon of the Seas that returned to Miami?
The cruise ship Icon of the Seas had to return to PortMiami after a passenger was injured due to the breakage of acrylic glass on one of its water slides. The incident occurred in the ship's water park, and the passenger received immediate medical attention on board.
What was Royal Caribbean's response following the slide accident?
Royal Caribbean has closed the affected slide and is conducting an internal investigation to determine the causes of the accident. Despite the incident, the rest of the ship's water attractions remain open under enhanced supervision.
Is it common for incidents to occur on Royal Caribbean cruises?
Although the slide accident is the first serious incident reported in the water attractions of the Icon of the Seas, a tragic event had previously occurred on this same cruise, where a crew member died following a conflict with another. Violent incidents are rare, but they rekindle concerns about safety on board.
What security measures are implemented on cruises after an incident?
After an incident, shipping companies like Royal Caribbean strengthen the oversight of their facilities and conduct investigations to determine the causes and prevent future accidents. In addition, in emergency situations, they activate specific protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
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