A crew member went overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas on December 17, 2024, in the final days of a 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise. The ship, sailing toward Baltimore, Maryland, activated a "Code OSCAR" emergency response, initiating a U-turn and deploying rescue boats to search the Atlantic Ocean.
Passengers onboard shared updates and photos of the unfolding situation as the crew initiated search and rescue operation.
The missing individual, a 23-year-old Mauritian crew member from Camp-de-Masque-Pavé, was part of the ship’s maintenance team. The overboard alert was sounded around 1 p.m. EST, prompting immediate action by the crew and later by maritime authorities.
Passengers described the somber atmosphere onboard. Lori Green posted on Facebook:
“Sad day today. One of the crew members on the ship—a bartender, we were told—jumped to his death on our cruise. Nobody as of 5 hours later. Update: 7+ hours later, the ship has not moved. We are sitting in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, pitch black out there, waiting on the Coast Guard to take over the search. This is not fun!”
Another passenger, Mary Kahl, wrote:
“Early afternoon, someone went overboard. The captain called for everyone to help search. Now, 5 hours later, they have pulled in the lifeboats as it is too dangerous in the rough sea. Darkness has fallen, and we continue the search. Prayers for a rescue and for the family. It is horribly sad.”
The search continued for over eight hours in rough seas before darkness and safety concerns led the ship to suspend its efforts. Maritime authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard, assumed control of the search during the evening, allowing Vision of the Seas to resume its voyage.
The ship, carrying 2,514 passengers, departed Baltimore on December 7 for a roundtrip itinerary with stops in St. Croix, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Kitts before returning to Baltimore on December 19.
Passengers and crew alike remain deeply affected by the tragedy, offering prayers and support for the missing crew member and his family.
