Yet another South African crew member was attacked abroad. This time, a 28‑year‑old female suffered multiple stab wounds aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas on 24 July. The attack took place in the waters off San Salvador Island.
Icon of Seas image used for illustrative purposes/Concord/Wikimedia Commons
Trouble in paradise
According to SmileFM, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said a 35‑year‑old South African bartender allegedly stabbed his female coworker after an argument. They believe the two were in a personal relationship.
Onboard medical staff treated the woman immediately. They stabilised her condition before she flew to a Miami hospital for further care. She remains in good condition.
Passengers watched in shock as the suspect fled the scene. He climbed over the ship’s railing and jumped into the sea. Crew members launched a speedboat within minutes.
They found him unresponsive. Medical personnel declared him dead on the rescue vessel. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.
This attack follows the murder of another South African woman at sea. The 20‑year‑old Paige Bell was found dead in the engine room of the luxury yacht Far From It. A Mexican ship engineer faces a charge of culpable homicide and is due back in court in November.
Royal Caribbean has offered its full cooperation to the Bahamian authorities. The company said it takes crew safety very seriously. Passengers expressed concern over growing violence against South African staff in the region.
Police urged anyone with information to come forward. They stressed the importance of witness accounts in understanding what led to the fatal jump.
Investigators will interview the crew and passengers. They aim to piece together the final moments before the suspect entered the water. A full report is expected once all statements are recorded.
Article shared by Cape Town ETC
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