South African woman attacked aboard world’s largest cruise ship

A 28-year-old South African woman has been stabbed multiple times aboard Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, during an attack by a fellow South African crew member while the vessel sailed through Bahamian waters last week.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed the assault occurred at approximately 7:30 pm on Thursday. The male suspect, aged 35, reportedly stabbed the woman in the upper body during what authorities described as a “personal dispute.” He then attempted to flee by jumping overboard.

The man was later recovered from the water but was found unresponsive and declared dead by medical staff on board. The female victim, whose identity has not been released, is reported to be in stable condition.

Royal Caribbean, which operates Icon of the Seas, issued a statement.

“Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member [who went overboard] passed away,” the cruise line said.

The incident occurred as the ship was returning to Miami following port calls in St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas. The voyage had departed from Miami on July 19th.

The company confirmed that the emergency code “Oscar Oscar Oscar” — used to indicate a person overboard — had been broadcast, prompting an immediate search and rescue response.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) said the matter is under investigation by Bahamian authorities and declined to comment further.

Icon of the Seas entered service in January 2024. At 360 metres in length and with a capacity for more than 5,600 passengers and 2,300 crew, it is the largest cruise ship in the world.