A Royal Caribbean Passenger Reported Overboard During 1980s-Themed Cruise
A shocking incident unfolded aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas on its 1980s-themed cruise in the Bahamas. A passenger was reported overboard around 11 p.m. on the first day of the sailing, sparking an immediate search operation. The cruise, a seven-night journey departing Miami on March 2, was designed to offer a nostalgic 1980s experience with music, performances, and events that celebrated the iconic decade. Unfortunately, the festive mood was disrupted when a distress call was made using the “Oscar Oscar Oscar” code, signaling a man overboard emergency.
Cruise ship passengers, including those on social media, reported the dramatic turn of events, with many recounting their experiences of hearing the announcement and watching the ship reverse course to conduct the search. Other ships in the area, such as Norwegian Pearl and Carnival Sunrise, reportedly joined in to assist, as did helicopters from the US Coast Guard. Unfortunately, the unsuccessful search was called off after several hours.
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Investigation of the Incident
The missing person has been identified as Kimberly Burch, 56. Burch was engaged to Taime Downe, the lead singer of the Faster Pussycat. According to witnesses, she fell from a private balcony shortly after the band had performed for passengers. Security footage has since revealed that it appears Burch jumped, and her death has been ruled a suicide.
Explorer of the Seas is registered in the Bahamas. The incident occurred about 20 miles outside of Freeport, while the ship was en route to Nassau from its home port in Miami. Therefore, the Nassau police have jurisdiction over this incident. They have reviewed the case and cleared Downe, Burch’s fiancee, of any wrongdoing doing.
How Likely Is It for a Passenger to Go Overboard?
Cruise ship safety measures are strict, and the likelihood of a passenger falling overboard is extremely low. According to the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010, the deck railings on Royal Caribbean ships are at least 42 inches high. Furthermore, ships like the Explorer of the Seas are equipped with additional safety features, such as Plexiglas panels and metal bars beneath the railings to prevent anyone from slipping through.
Unfortunately, statistics regarding man overboard incidents from cruise ships paint a grim picture. While there have been a number of rescues over the years, the likelihood of a successful recovery is slim. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), between 2009 and 2019, there were 212 overboard incidents, but only 48, or about 28%, were successfully rescued. The vast majority of people who fall overboard are sadly never recovered.
