man overboard in cruise ships

Man overboard: Cruise ship overboards and how they happen

We've all heard sad news reports of people going overboard on cruises. If you're someone who hasn't cruised before or who isn't familiar with ships, it sounds scary. But is it true? Can you really fall off a cruise ship? What do the authorities do in a cruise ship overboard situation?

Here's everything you need to know about what happens in a "man overboard" situation on a cruise ship and how to make sure it doesn't happen to you.

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Is falling off a cruise ship easy?

No. Cruise ships have railings — usually about chest height on the average person — on all open deck areas and cabin balconies. They are placed intentionally to ensure passenger safety.

The only way you risk a fall is if you're standing on furniture to peer over the side or climbing somewhere you're not supposed to. It's not possible for you to trip over a door frame or slip on a wet deck and fall off of a vessel.

Play by the rules and remain in control of your actions, and you don't have to worry about inadvertently falling overboard from a cruise ship.

How does someone go overboard from a cruise ship?

Accidental overboards can happen when cruisers have had too much to drink and climb on top of railings, enter restricted areas or attempt dangerous — and potentially fatal — stunts like climbing from balcony to balcony. One sad story involved a grandfather holding his baby granddaughter up to an open window to see the view and then losing his grip and dropping her.

It's impossible to discuss cruise-ship man-overboard incidents without mentioning that some of them are, in fact, intentional. Some cruisers purposefully jump off cruise ships to commit suicide. Passengers caught up in a physical fight or wishing to do harm could push someone off the ship, though it would take some effort.

Are man overboard situations common on cruise ships?

In many cases, stories of passengers "falling off" of cruise ships make it seem like it's a regular occurrence or that there's a grave risk you could be swept over the side while going about your daily vacation activities. In reality, one or two people go overboard each month out of roughly 2.5 million who cruise during the same time frame.

Between 2009 and 2019, there have been 212 man overboard incidents on cruise ships, according to a Report on Operational Incidents issued by the Cruise Lines International Association. That works out to roughly 19 overboards each year.

Cases of people falling off ships are also on the decline. "From 2009 to 2019, man overboard incidents have declined with an incidence of 0.00004 overboard reports per active lower berth (synonymous with a cabin's bed) in 2019," reports CLIA. "This is 64% of the figure recorded in 2009."

What happens when someone falls off a cruise ship?

When someone is determined to have gone over the side, the bridge — the ship's control center — will contact the coast guard, and a search will begin.

Officers will attempt to pinpoint when and where the incident happened, allowing the search to cover a particular radius where the individual is predicted to be. The search will be called off after either the passenger is found or the ship is cleared by the coast guard to continue its voyage.

If your ship is involved in a search for a missing passenger, it might have to skip a port call or delay its return home to account for the time spent retracing its route to look for the person overboard.

What should you do if you see a cruise ship overboard?

If you witness someone falling off a cruise ship, throw them a life buoy or other flotation device if you're near one. You can often find orange life rings attached to deck railings.

It's crucial to then alert a crew member that you witnessed a man overboard and have the crew alert the bridge. Note the time the overboard occurred. With this information, the bridge officers can identify the exact position of the ship at that time, so it can return to that location to search for the missing guest.

Can you survive going overboard from a cruise ship?

Unfortunately, it's rare that a passenger is found alive. A Carnival cruiser who fell off a ship over Thanksgiving 2022 made headlines when he was rescued after spending close to 20 hours in the Gulf of Mexico. He was lucky because his positive outcome is not common.

Overboards are particularly grim when the ship is moving, as the vessel's speed and current mean that a person can be swept away quickly. If they aren't immediately seen, it can be a while before the captain realizes what has happened.

Chances of survival vary, depending on the circumstances of the fall. A passenger could get injured, hitting part of the ship as they fall. Should they survive the fall, water temperature also plays a significant role in how long a person can survive. You have a better chance of waiting out a rescue in the warm Caribbean sea than in chilly Alaskan waters.

Of the 212 overboard incidents mentioned earlier, 48 of those (roughly 28%) were rescued alive, CLIA reports. That amounts to four or five rescues each year.

Any time an overboard occurs, cruise lines offer assistance to friends, family or other travel companions traveling with the passenger in question.

Bottom line

If you stick to the areas where you're allowed to be as a passenger, you don't have to worry about falling overboard on a cruise.

Always pay attention to safety messages and signage that indicates which parts of the ship are meant for crew only.

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Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

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A Man Fell From a Cruise Ship. And Survived.

He treaded water for hours in the Gulf of Mexico, withstanding rain, winds and waves before he was rescued. Others have not been so lucky. What happens when a person goes overboard?

By Maria Cramer

The Carnival Valor had been at sea for only a day when calls came over the loudspeaker asking a certain passenger to please report to customer service.

The man, a 28-year-old American citizen, had been reported missing by his family that morning.

It was Thanksgiving, and the Valor, a 3,756-passenger cruise ship that had left New Orleans the day before, was heading toward Cozumel, Mexico.

Crew members soon began searching passengers’ cabins, said Shant’a Miller White, who was traveling with her husband and family. One employee entered her cousin’s cabin and said, “We just need to make sure everything is OK.”

“We didn’t know what was going on,” Ms. White, 48, recalled. Then, at dinner, came another announcement: The ship needed to change course to execute a search and rescue operation.

Ms. White pictured the unknown passenger alone in the water and felt sick to her stomach.

“Did they fall to the bottom? Did the sharks get them?” Ms. White recalled thinking. She began to pray.

The passenger, according to the Coast Guard, turned out to be James Grimes, 28, who had been traveling with his parents and siblings on the five-day cruise. His family had last seen him the night before, around 11 p.m.

But by 10:45 on Thanksgiving morning, when there was no sign of him, the family notified the crew, the Coast Guard said.

At 8:10 p.m., more than nine hours after his family reported him missing, a passing tanker spotted the man near the mouth of the Mississippi River and alerted the Coast Guard.

Rescuers found Mr. Grimes struggling in the water, waving frantically and trying to keep his head above the surface.

When the crew of the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter lifted him out, he was in shock, had mild hypothermia and was extremely dehydrated, said Lt. Seth Gross, who managed the search and rescue operation for the Coast Guard. But he was alive and in stable condition.

Mr. Grimes, whose family described him as an exceptional swimmer, had treaded in 65- to 70-degree water for hours, withstanding rain, 20-knot winds and three- to five-foot waves in the Gulf of Mexico, where bull sharks and blacktip sharks are common, Coast Guard officials said.

“This case is certainly extraordinary,” Lieutenant Gross said. “The survival instinct, the will to survive is just crazy.”

How often does this happen?

Falling from a ship into a vast sea may be a cruise passenger’s worst nightmare. While the chances of going overboard are exceedingly remote, according to statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) , the outcome is usually tragic.

In 2019, 25 people fell overboard, and only nine of them were rescued, according to CLIA.

In February, a woman aboard the Carnival Valor jumped off the 10th deck of the ship while fleeing security officers who were trying to detain her after she had scuffled with them. Her body was never found.

In December 2016, a 22-year-old man fell off the 12th deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship after a night of heavy drinking. His parents sued the cruise line in federal court in Florida, but a jury decided in favor of Royal Caribbean.

Alcohol is a factor in at least 11 percent of falls from cruise ships, which often offer all-inclusive drink packages that encourage drinking onboard, said Ross Klein, a professor of social work at Memorial University of Newfoundland, who researches cruise safety.

“Cruises are viewed as idyllic, safe and secure, and of course those views are reinforced by advertising and public statements,” he said. But the public should be aware of the risks of going on a cruise, which include being pushed overboard, going overboard and being tempted to jump overboard, he said.

How do ships prevent people from going overboard?

By law, railings have to be 42 inches tall, Professor Klein said. There were efforts to make the railings taller by about another foot, he said, after Congress began considering legislation to tighten security on ships in 2005. But in 2010, when Congress passed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, the railing height requirements were set at the current standard, he said.

The railing height is designed to keep passengers safe along ship promenades, said Brian Salerno, the senior vice president for Maritime policy at CLIA.

“The vast majority of cases are either reckless behavior or some form of intentional act,” Mr. Salerno said. “People don’t just inadvertently fall over the side of a ship.”

Professor Klein said cruise ships could limit the risks of passengers falling overboard if they limited alcohol consumption, increased railing heights and installed technology that senses when a heavy object has fallen from the ship.

The 2010 law directed cruise ships to begin developing and installing such technology, Mr. Salerno said.

It took years to create a video-surveillance system that would be sensitive enough to detect a person falling overboard and alarm a ship’s crew but that wouldn’t be triggered by other objects, like a sea gull flying by, he said. Some ships have already begun installing such systems, Mr. Salerno said.

Bartenders on cruises are also trained to watch for excessive drinking, said Robert Kritzman, a partner at Clyde & Co., an international law firm in Miami, who advises cruise companies.

“The general policy is the same as anywhere else: Once somebody becomes excessively intoxicated, you stop serving,” he said.

Carnival Corp. said the “only way to go overboard is to purposefully climb up and over the safety barriers.”

“Cruise ships have safety barriers in all public areas that are regulated by U.S. Coast Guard standards that prevent a guest from falling off,” the company said in a statement that thanked the Coast Guard and the mariner who found Mr. Grimes. “Guests should never ever climb up on the rails.”

A spokesman did not respond to follow up questions about the incident or Carnival’s safety protocols.

What happens when the crew learns that a person has gone overboard?

Cruise ships have clear protocols for what to do when a person goes overboard, Mr. Kritzman said.

Once the crew members learn that a person has gone overboard, they immediately inform the Coast Guard, stop the ship and turn around to help find the missing passenger. Often, smaller, fast boats are deployed from the ship to search for the person, Mr. Kritzman said.

The circumstances around the recent fall from the Carnival Valor, including the precise time that Mr. Grimes went overboard, remain unknown. The Coast Guard said it was investigating the incident.

Lieutenant Gross said that after the Coast Guard learned about the missing passenger, it launched a 45-foot patrol boat, a helicopter and a tracker plane to search for him. The Coast Guard set up a search area of more than 7,000 square nautical miles, roughly the size of Massachusetts, he said, and immediately alerted any mariners around the Gulf of Mexico to look for the man.

The Crinis , a bulk carrier, spotted Mr. Grimes about 20 miles south of Southwest Pass, a channel at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Lt. Gross said he called the man’s mother and stepfather to tell them he had been found.

When he told them their son was stable and being treated at a hospital in New Orleans, he heard them cheer and cry.

Ms. White, who lives in Hampton, Va., and runs an anti-bullying organization , said she was flooded with relief when the ship announced that Mr. Grimes had been found alive.

“That was nothing but God that he survived,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

Maria Cramer is a reporter on the Travel desk. Please send her tips, questions and complaints about traveling, especially on cruises. More about Maria Cramer

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Man Overboard: What Happens When Guests Go Overboard on a Cruise Ship

Doug Parker

• August 9, 2023

Contents Show

Man overboard is a term used to describe someone who has gone off the cruise ship and requires rescue.

And while it’s understandable for people who board a cruise ship to worry about going overboard, actual man overboard incidents are rare, considering how tens of millions of people sail each year without incident.

Man overboard incidents tend to get much heavy media coverage, leading those unfamiliar with the cruise industry to believe it happens frequently.

But what, exactly, does a “man overboard” incident entail ? How often does it happen? And when someone does wind up in the water, what happens next? This article will explore these questions based on research, expert interviews, and cruise line policies.

What is a Man Overboard Incident?

In simplest terms, a man overboard incident is exactly what it sounds like. Somehow, a person winds up going into the sea and needs rescuing. How they wound up going over the railing is less critical than the need to get them out of the water as quickly as possible.

How often do people fall off cruise ships? 

So, just how often do people go overboard? As it turns out, an expert in the field can answer that question.

Professor Ross Klein of Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, has been gathering information regarding man overboard incidents since 1995. As of 2023, he has tracked 387 situations in which passengers or crew members on board cruise ships or ferryboats went overboard. 

Meanwhile, the Cruise Lines International Association reported 212 man overboard incidents , specifically on cruise ships, between 2009 and 2019.

Doing the math, that averages out to around 19 incidents each year. On its face, that can sound quite shocking until you look at the big picture and realize that it’s 212 people out of the 224 million who took cruises during that time. The odds of hitting the Powerball Jackpot is one in 292 million.

Is it hard to fall off a cruise ship?

Generally speaking, going overboard is almost impossible unless you are doing something you probably shouldn’t. Sadly, it’s much easier to jump off a cruise ship , which is entirely different (although it still qualifies as a “man overboard” incident.).

Looking at the history of such incidents, most incidents fall into one of these categories:

• Alcohol or drug-related
• Reckless or irresponsible behavior
• Suicide attempts
• Rough sea conditions

Sadly, in many cases, we never truly know how or why the person went overboard. Most often, they are alone during the incident, which is why it can sometimes be hours before their absence is discovered and the severity of the situation is realized.

And as one might expect, these situations often have tragic, fatal endings. Not all man overboard incidents result in a person’s death. In July of 2023, a woman tumbled off Mariner of the Seas while attempting to take a selfie and was rescued shortly after. 

What happens during a man overboard on a cruise?

A man-overboard incident will immediately trigger a coordinated, systematic, and ship-wide emergency response designed first to ensure that a man overboard incident occurred, as false alarms can happen from time to time. That said, here’s a look at what happens during a man overboard incident.

1. Crew response 

Once the bridge team is aware of the situation, they will sound the internal alarm followed by the word Oscar three times on the PA system. The words “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” will be heard throughout the ship, alerting the entire crew to what has occurred.

If the passenger can still be seen, the ship will stop and deploy lifeboats and rescue boats to retrieve them. 

A search-and-rescue mission will commence if the passenger is reported missing. Rather than stopping, the ship will return to where it is believed the person entered the water.

2. Search and rescue efforts

The ship’s command will notify the local Coast Guard and participate in the search and rescue mission.

The Coast Guard has several key responsibilities during a man overboard incident, including coordinating with the vessel to obtain all the necessary details about the situation once they receive a distress or emergency call. 

The Coast Guard’s search and rescue operation may involve deploying aircraft, cutters, and a specialized rescue team. If the victim is found, the Coast Guard will conduct a medical evaluation and arrange a transfer to a shoreside medical facility either via cutter or helicopter. 

Passengers who have gone overboard and located by the ship are brought on board for further evaluation and treatment before being transferred to the Coast Guard.

While every cruise ship has a highly detailed systematic approach for a man overboard emergency, there is no guarantee that the victim will be found. Unfortunately, only a few people are successfully rescued during a man overboard incident.

What can I do to prevent falling off a cruise ship?

What happens in the aftermath of a man overboard situation is the cruise ship’s and crew’s responsibility. But as passengers, there are things we can do to avoid putting ourselves in this dangerous situation.

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re on the upper deck of the cruise ship .
• Do not stand or sit on the railings or other precarious perches; don’t put your head outside or lean through the open windows or over the balcony railing.
• Be mindful when moving about the ship during bad weather or when traversing rough seas.
• Never leave a child unattended or allow them to climb atop furnishings near railings or balconies.
• Always follow any instructions issued by crew members to the letter. 

Man-overboard technology and modern-day cruising

During discussions about cruise ship safety, one of the most common questions is whether vessels have systems to detect when someone goes overboard, and if not, why?

As it turns out, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 required US ships to implement technology that could “be used for capturing images of passengers or detecting passengers who have fallen overboard, to the extent that such technology is available.” 

As you might guess, the “to the extent that such technology is available” has been something of a loophole, giving cruise lines the ability to avoid implementing these systems. Questions have also been raised about the reliability of the technology in question. 

Proper use of a man overboard (MOB) system can mean the difference between a successful rescue and a tragic outcome.

However, when you look at the cruise industry collectively, the technology is on very few cruise ship ships. Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line on record saying its vessels have the system installed.

In spring 2023, man overboard detection company MARSS MOBtronic made significant progress after conducting 120 tests using their system and achieved a 100% success rate in detecting people who had fallen overboard.

Those systems come at a price. MARSS recently told USA Today that each installation starts at around $200,000.

“Most cruise lines will claim that MOB systems are not reliable and give false-positive results, and as such, the systems are not really ‘available,'” says Jim Walker, an attorney with Walker and O’Neill Maritime Lawyers. “Manufacturers will tell you that the systems are highly reliable — around 97 percent. I have seen such systems, and they are impressive in my view.”

He adds that “sailing without a system will always result in delayed search and rescue efforts. It’s truly akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.” 

If someone goes overboard in the middle of the night and it’s not noticed until the next day, the ship could be as far as 100 miles away by the time it’s reported.  

One thing cruise ships have in place is closed-circuit television monitors (or CCTV), which record activity around the ships. CCTV footage is generally used to compile important information about the individual in question, including where exactly the man overboard took place.

During an incident, the security team can also review the footage to determine the last place the guest used their onboard spending card, rewind the tape to that time, and follow the guest around the ship until they reach the moment they’re looking for.

But can CCTV footage be used in court?

Any time a person goes overboard, authorities open an active investigation. Some cases occasionally make it to the courtroom.

Often, litigation involves the family of the person who went overboard. A lot of the cases filed are where the guest was overserved alcohol. The outcome of these cases is in the hands of the jury.

Walker says that “the FBI has jurisdiction when there is a report of a suspicious death to request or subpoena CCTV footage when a person goes overboard,” adding that he is aware of several cases in which this has happened. And yes, he says, “cruise lines are required to respond to a subpoena from the FBI.”

He has not, however, “heard of the FBI or Coast Guard making a request for MOB data for no reason other than there are so few cruise ships which have installed such systems.” 

It’s doubtful that you will ever be in a man-overboard situation. Not only is it rare that you will find yourself going overboard but there’s little chance of you ever being on board a ship when such an incident happens. 

Being prepared and aware of your surroundings is always a good idea. Hopefully, the information we’ve provided will help you avoid putting yourself into a dangerous situation while also giving you an idea of what to do — and not to do — should you see someone going overboard. 

How long does it take to find someone who has gone overboard?

There is no definitive answer. Several factors come into play, including when the ship was notified of the situation, the time of day, water temperature, location, ocean conditions, and the amount of time that has gone by will all impact the outcome.

Why do people jump off cruise ships?

There are a variety of reasons that guests go overboard. Several factors can lead someone to consider it, such as alcohol, mental health problems, chronic pain, feelings of hopelessness or erratic or reckless behavior. If you know of anyone on a cruise who is expressing thoughts of ending their life, contact the ship immediately so that they can get help for that person.

What if I see someone jump off a cruise ship?

If you see someone jump off a cruise ship, immediately shout “Man Overboard” loudly enough for everyone to hear while visually tracking the person, throwing a life ring, and dialing 911 on the ship’s phone. Do not jump into the water to rescue the person. Even the strongest swimmer may not be prepared to deal with the harsh realities of the ocean.  

Can someone survive falling off a cruise ship?

Surviving a cruise ship fall will depend on several factors, like how quickly the overboard is reported/discovered, the response time of the crew members, the water’s temperature, the person’s ability to swim, their physical condition, and the weather. 

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A passenger went overboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, the largest operating cruise ship in the world at 18 decks tall and 230,000 tons

• A passenger went overboard the massive Wonder of the Seas cruise ship on Tuesday near Cuba.
• The Royal Caribbean ship is the largest passenger cruise ship currently in service.
• A Coast Guard official told Insider that Cuban authorities are leading the search efforts.

A passenger went overboard the largest cruise ship in the world on Tuesday, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed to Insider.

The Wonder of the Seas was off the coast of Cuba when the person went overboard, officials told Fox 35 . Passengers posting about the incident on Facebook said the call happened around 7:30 or 8 p.m. on Tuesday night. 

"On August 29, a guest sailing on Wonder of the Seas went overboard," a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean told Insider. "The ship's crew immediately launched a search and rescue operation and is working closely with local authorities. "

The Royal Caribbean representative said the cruise line had been working with the US Coast Guard.

But a spokesperson with the South Florida branch of the US Coast Guard told Insider that the Cuban Border Guard is responsible for coordinating the search and rescue mission because the overboard incident happened in Cuban territorial seas. The Coast Guard official said the US agency is not currently involved in the case.

The 230,000-ton cruise ship was two days into its seven-day itinerary after it left Port Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday. The ship is currently south of Cuba, according to cruise tracking data.

The Wonder of the Seas had already diverted from its original itinerary to account for Hurricane Idalia, which is pummeling Florida with record-breaking storm surge this week, passengers said.

Related stories

Cruise industry blog Cruise Hive reported members of the ship's crew spent approximately three hours searching for the passenger before the ship moved on.

The Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship currently sailing passenger voyages. The massive cruise ship measures 1,188 feet in length across 18 decks. The ship can accommodate nearly 7,000 passengers, as well as 2,300 crew members. Another Royal Caribbean ship,  the Icon of the Seas , is set to break the Wonder's record when it starts service in 2024.

Overboard incidents

This is at least the sixth person to go overboard a cruise ship in the past three months.

The previous incidents occurred on the cruise ships Carnival Magic , Carnival Elation , Spectrum of the Seas , Emerald Princess , and Mariner of the Seas. Only one of the passengers was successfully rescued.

While man-overboard incidents are rare, they are a leading cause of death for passengers on cruise ships, according to research conducted by Travis Heggie, a professor at Bowling Green State University who specializes in health and safety risks in the tourism industry.

On average, 19 people go overboard on cruise ships every year — of those, about four people are successfully rescued, a 2020 study commissioned by the industry trade group Cruise Lines International Association found.

The low success rate of man-overboard rescue attempts has prompted debate on whether or not cruise ships should be required to install man-overboard detection systems that automatically alert crew members when a person goes overboard.

In a statement previously shared with Insider, CLIA emphasized that safety and security are a top priority for the industry. "All cruise lines use a variety of measures to maintain a safe environment on board cruise ships, including physical barriers around the periphery of external decks and balconies, video surveillance systems in public areas, and trained crew members who can respond quickly to an unsafe situation or emergency," the spokesperson said.

Watch: The world's largest cruise ship landed in Miami — here's what it's like on board

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Watch CBS News

Man jumps from Carnival Cruise Line ship 55 miles off Florida coast

Updated on: April 18, 2022 / 9:02 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Update: The Coast Guard has suspended their search for the man who went overboard . 

The U.S. Coast Guard was searching for a man who jumped overboard from a cruise ship Saturday as it approached Florida.

The man jumped from the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras just after midnight about 55 miles east of Port Canaveral, according to the Coast Guard and Carnival.

The Coast Guard responded with two cutters and an airplane to search for the 43-year-old man. The Mardi Gras and the cruise ship Elation also participated in the search, said Coast Guard spokesman David Micallef.

"The Carnival Care Team is supporting the guest's family. Mardi Gras," said Carnival spokesman Matt Lupoli. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest and his family."

Lupoli said the Coast Guard released the ship from the search efforts and it continued to Port Canaveral. It will continue sailing as scheduled.

CBS Miami reported the Mardi Gras is the largest ship ever built for the cruise line. The first cruise ship with an onboard roller coaster, the Mardi Gras is 1,130 feet long, has 21 decks, 2,641 staterooms, and features six themed zones and restaurants from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodamin and Shaquille O'Neal.

Last month, a guest jumped overboard from the Carnival Horizon ship that had departed from Miami. That man's body was reportedly found .

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Passenger goes overboard on wonder of the seas, world’s largest cruise ship.

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A passenger has gone overboard on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, while it was off the coast of Cuba during a voyage from Florida.

The unidentified guest went off the 230,000-ton vessel late Tuesday, the second day of its seven-day sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Royal Caribbean said.

“The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue operation and is working closely with local authorities,” the company said.

The company told Insider it had been working with the US Coast Guard, but an agency spokesperson told the outlet that Cuban authorities are in charge of the effort because the incident occurred in their territorial waters.

Passengers on the mammoth ship said it had already diverted from its original itinerary due to Hurricane Idalia, according to the outlet.

They reported an “Oscar! Oscar! Oscar!” call, signifying an overboard emergency, about 9 p.m. EDT, industry blog ​ Cruise Hive reported .

The crew spent about three hours searching the waters using spotlights, small craft and watchers after the ship turned around and retraced its route, according to the site.

The Wonder of the Seas, which is 1,188 feet long and features 18 decks, can accommodate nearly 7,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is set to break the Wonder’s record when it begins service next year, Insider reported.

Earlier this month, an Indian woman died after she apparently jumped off the Spectrum of the Seas, another Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Reeta Sahani, 64, was declared missing after her husband, Jakesh Sahani, 70, woke up in the middle of the night and noticed she was not in their cabin. Her family later confirmed that she had died.

In June, a 42-year-old woman was rescued after she fell off Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas about 25 miles south of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic during a trip from Florida.

Other recent incidents occurred on the cruise ships Carnival Magic, Carnival Elation and Emerald Princess. 

On average, 19 people go overboard on cruise ships each year — and of those, only about four are rescued, Insider reported, citing a 2020 study commissioned by the industry trade group Cruise Lines International Association.

The low success rate has sparked discussions about whether all cruise ships should be equipped with detection devices that automatically alert the crew when someone goes overboard.

“All cruise lines use a variety of measures to maintain a safe environment on board cruise ships, including physical barriers around the periphery of external decks and balconies, video surveillance systems in public areas, and trained crew members who can respond quickly to an unsafe situation or emergency,” a spokesperson for Cruise Lines International Association told Insider.

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Man falls overboard from cruise ship near the Charleston coast: USCG

by MATTHEW SOCKOL | WCIV Staff

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A 41-year-old man went overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship on Dec. 23.

The man went overboard from127 miles east of Charleston. A search was announced by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) at 11:03 a.m. on Christmas Eve.

Read more: Incident involving a train blocks railroad tracks at Remount Road: NCPD

The USCG announced search efforts were suspended at 7:19 p.m. after crews searched more than 1,625 miles for eight hours.

According to Royal Caribbean, the man who went overboard was a passenger on the ship Vision of the Seas . The ship and crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities and launched a search and rescue mission.

As of Dec. 24, Royal Caribbean has not provided further information on the incident, citing privacy for the passenger and his family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the USCG Sector Charleston at 843-740-7050

Man Overboard: What Happens If You Fall Off a Cruise Ship?

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

The ocean is a vast place of adventure and relaxation for over 30 million cruise passengers per year. But amid this maritime wonder is a rare but genuine danger: the risk of falling off a cruise ship.

Around 20 to 25 individuals fall overboard every year , often due to intoxication or deliberate actions. However, with odds of 1 in 1.3 million, such incidents are exceptionally uncommon.

Cruise lines follow strict safety protocols established by maritime safety standards, ensuring crew members are ready to act swiftly and efficiently in man-overboard situations. Modern cruise ships are even equipped with advanced technologies designed to detect people when they go overboard from a cruise ship.

Let’s explore how prevention, personal vigilance, what happens when someone falls off a cruise ship, and the outcomes.

Table of Contents

What Happens If You Fall Off a Cruise Ship?

If you fall off a cruise ship, the situation is serious , and immediate action is necessary. A “man overboard” incident prompts the vessel to follow a strict emergency protocol.

The ship makes an emergency announcement to inform the crew (and sometimes passengers) of the man overboard situation. All crew members are trained to respond to these emergencies, including conducting a search and rescue operation.

The secret code used to alert cruise ship crew is “Oscar Oscar” to indicate a man overboard situation​.

The moment an overboard incident is detected or reported, the ship’s officers are alerted. Crew members mark the location of the incident throwing flotation devices into the water to mark the spot and aid the person in the water​

The ship will turn around and return to the location of the incident.

Unfortunately, stopping a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean isn’t easy.

Cruise ships travel at 22 knots and take over a mile to stop and turn around. By the time the cruise ship returns, the person is unlikely to be at the original location. Ocean and wind cause the individual to drift away from their original location, highlighting the importance of immediate action when someone jumps off a cruise ship.

The bridge team notifies the appropriate authorities and enlists the help of nearby vessels who join the search. It’s not just cruise ships that aid in the search. Nearby ships in the area, like cargo ships, the US Coast Guard, and fishing vessels, join the search for the missing passenger.

Time is of the essence when a passenger falls overboard.

If a fall is not observed and immediately reported, the chance of rescuing the victim is considerably smaller. New cruise ships have advanced overboard detection systems . But older vessels rely on someone witnessing the fall and alerting the crew.

There is no time limit for how long a search will last. In general, search efforts continue as long as there is hope that the person is alive.

How Do People Go Overboard?

There are many reasons people fall off cruise ships. Here are some reasons why individuals might find themselves unintentionally over the guardrails:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption : You might lose your balance and coordination after having a few drinks too many, making it risky to lean or climb on railings.
• Reckless Behavior : Engaging in unsafe activities, like trying to move from balcony to balcony, standing on chairs, or climbing the railings, can result in a fall.
• Intentional Acts : Unfortunately, there are instances where a cruiser purposefully jumps off the cruise ship to commit suicide.
• Accidents Accidents are rare, but accidents do happen—perhaps when leaning too far or slipping on a wet deck, leading to a situation where a passenger goes overboard.

It’s worth reminding you that man-overboard incidents are extremely rare.

It is uncommon for a cruise passenger to “fall” off the ship. The railings on cruise ships are reasonably high and reach at least chest height for most passengers.

Most people who fall from a cruise ship do so intentionally or result from reckless behavior.

How Many People Fall Off Cruise Ships?

An average of 20 to 25 people fall off cruise ships each year. Because a man overboard situation can happen on any vessel in any part of the world, no government authority compiles accurate statistics on the number of overboard incidents on cruise ships.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) , the voice of the world’s cruise industry, reports that the odds of falling overboard are astonishingly slim. According to CLIA, falls occur at a rate of about one in 1.3 million passengers .

The chances of falling overboard are incredibly low.

Cruise ship safety is paramount, and many of those who go overboard do so intentionally by jumping from a cruise ship railing or falling while taking risky actions like climbing balcony railings.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the actual figures might be slightly higher. The reporting of these incidents can sometimes fall through the cracks, not captured fully by cruise lines or the media spotlight.

The table below shows how many people fall overboard on cruise ships yearly compared with the number of passengers that sail on cruise ships and passenger ferries. The numbers were compiled by Cruise Junkie .

How Many People Survive Falling Off Cruise Ships?

Sadly, most cases of falling off a cruise ship end in death. Approximately 72% percent of man-overboard incidents result in death . Only around 28% of instances result in survival, highlighting the importance of cruise vessel security and safety measures.

There are several factors contributing to the low survival rate.

Firstly, the height of the fall significantly impacts survival chances. Cruise ships are towering structures; the world’s biggest cruise ships are over 20 decks high. A fall from that height is like hitting a concrete wall due to the water’s surface tension at high speeds. The impact when you hit the water can cause severe injuries, making it difficult to stay afloat, or even instant death.

If you survive the fall, the ocean and weather conditions impact your survival chances .

The water temperature plays a significant role. Cold waters lead to hypothermia, drastically reducing survival time. Ocean currents and the time of day (affecting visibility for rescue efforts) are also critical factors.

Notably, being in good physical condition can enhance one’s ability to survive. For instance, a woman credited her fitness and yoga practice, allowing her to survive after she fell overboard on NCL’s Norwegian Star cruise ship and tread water for 10 hours ( full story at ABC News ).

Ultimately, while the prospects may seem grim, survival is not impossible. The stories of missing passengers or crew members who have survived a fall over the side of a ship serve as stark reminders of the human will to live and the importance of safety and preparedness when embarking on a sea voyage.

Safety Measures and Technologies

When you’re cruising on the open sea, your safety is paramount. Cruise ships have various safety features to prevent and respond to man-overboard incidents.

Preventative Measures:

• Railings: To start, the railings on cruise ships have high railings to prevent accidental falls. They’re a physical barrier between you and the sea and are designed for your protection, helping prevent overboard incidents on cruise ships. It’s crucial that you avoid climbing or sitting on them.
• Surveillance Systems: CCTV cameras monitor public areas on the ship 24/7. The cameras help detect if a passenger falls overboard or risky behaviors that could lead to such situations. Unfortunately, if no one is watching the cameras, they won’t alert crew members to incidents.
• Man Overboard Detection Systems: Some cruise ships have sophisticated man overboard detection systems. These systems use sensors, radar, and thermal imaging to detect a person falling into the water and instantly alert the ship’s crew. Many older ships don’t have specific man-overboard systems; instead, they rely on someone witnessing someone fall and alternating the ship’s crew.
• Restricted Access: Access to certain areas of the ship is limited, especially during rough sea conditions or at night, to reduce the risk of accidents. Crew members close off specific decks during high winds to prevent accidental falls.
• Crew Training: Crew members undergo rigorous training in safety procedures, including procedures for responding when someone falls overboard. Cruise ship staff train to act quickly and efficiently to rescue overboard individuals.
• Passenger Education: Cruise lines provide safety information and educate passengers on the importance of responsible behavior on board through safety videos, briefings, and literature.

These systems work together to detect a person falling into the ocean swiftly. This often enables a quick response from the crew.

Prevention Tips to Prevent Falling Overboard

While enjoying your cruise, your safety is crucial.

Staying alert and following certain guidelines can significantly decrease the chances of going overboard.

Here are a few tips to ensure you stay safely aboard.

• Pay Attention to Safety Briefings: Pay attention to the in-cabin safety video and muster drill. You’ll learn important safety information, the location of life jackets, and what to do during an emergency.
• Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption: It’s ok to drink, but don’t go crazy. Alcohol inhibits your judgment and decision-making and reduces your balance.
• Adhere to Designated Areas: Stick to public areas and avoid restricted zones. These areas are off-limits for a reason and can be dangerously close to the ship’s edge.
• Supervise Children: Closely watch children and ensure they understand the importance of avoiding railings.
• Don’t Climb or Sit on Railings: Getting a better view is tempting, but climbing the railings is extremely risky. Keep both feet on the deck at all times.
• Be Mindful of Weather Conditions: Inclement weather can make decks slippery. Be extra cautious and avoid deck areas if the ship is experiencing rough seas.

Do Cruise Ships Stop if You Fall Overboard?

Yes, cruise ships do stop if someone falls overboard. When a passenger or crew member goes overboard, the ship’s crew initiates an emergency protocol to address the situation. This protocol involves multiple steps designed to maximize the chances of rescuing the individual.

The moment an overboard incident is detected or reported, the ship’s officers are alerted. Crew members mark the location of the fall while the captain turns the ship around to begin searching for the passenger.

However, due to their size and the momentum they carry, cruise ships take a mile to stop and turn around. The process of stopping a cruise ship is complicated and takes time. During that time the person overboard could drift away from the initial location due to ocean currents and wind.

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Wife of tourist feared dead after falling off cruise ship shares agony

• Gordon Tait , Chief Reporter
• Published : 17:52, 22 Mar 2024
• Updated : 16:44, 23 Mar 2024

THE tormented wife of a Scots tourist who fell from a cruise ship has shared her agony amid a frantic search for him.

Liam Jones, 23, is presumed dead after the horror incident in the North Sea during a dream holiday.

He vanished on the MSC Euribia as it sailed from Southampton to Amsterdam, Netherlands , on a seven-day trip for his mum’s birthday.  

The social work student, from Dundee , was last seen on deck by his sister on March 16 after texting wife Sophia Mcphee back home complaining he was feeling seasick.

MSC have confirmed a passenger disappeared on the cruise and officers from Hampshire Constabulary boarded the vessel today when it arrived back in the UK to investigate.

Devastated Sophia, 20, says she has been left in the dark since the tragedy.

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She told the Daily Record : "I feel so lost. He's just...gone.

"I'm never going to see him again. I'm devastated.

"I have so many questions, and I'm not getting any answers to what's happened."

Sophia last saw Liam on Thursday, March 14, when he travelled from their home in Dundee to Glasgow to meet his family. 

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They boarded the cruise ship in Southampton the following day.

The Euribia was going to Hamburg, France, Belgium, and Amsterdam before heading back to Southampton on March 22.

Liam's final text message to Sophia was that he was feeling seasick. 

She then received a message from his sister to say there had been an accident on board.

Sophia continued: "I was first contacted by his sister on Sunday.

"She said there had been an accident and Liam 'wasn't coming back'.

"She then said she had seen CCTV and he'd gone overboard.

"I've not had any contact from anyone since."

A spokesperson from MSC Cruises said: "A passenger on board MSC Euribia went overboard on 16 March as the ship was sailing to Hamburg. 

“This was reported to the authorities. 

“The police in Southampton boarded the vessel today and investigated on behalf of the coroner. 

“We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time. 

“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will refrain from disclosing any additional information."

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A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Officers boarded the vessel today following a report that a man had gone overboard. 

“The man’s family are aware and police are investigating this on behalf of the coroner.”

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Nine cruise ship code words you never want to hear on board

Thomas Bywater

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Who's Oscar? These are the words you don't want to hear on a cruise. Photo / 123RF

“Code Oscar” is a phrase to chill the blood of any cruise worker.

Like any profession, cruise lines have their own share of jargon. However there are some announcements that are purposefully designed not to be understood by the punters.

Innocuous “code words” are designed to keep appearances and order onboard.

So the illusion of swan-white calm is maintained for passengers on deck, while below the surface cruise denizens scuttle to fix the constant challenges of operating a giant 3000-passenger floating city.

For example, if you don’t know what a “Babaloo” is, then more fool you. Though there is some ship shorthand that - like a “PVI” - we’d rather we hadn’t learned.

The codes change from ship to ship and company to company, although some are universally recognised as bad news.

One Royal Caribbean Cruise director said there was a whole alphabet of emergency signals.

“It’s crucial for the staff to have code words so that passengers don’t get freaked out if something goes wrong,” Brandon Presser, formerly of the Harmony of the Seas, told Bloomberg.

As the cruise member overseeing the journey of 6322 guests and 2200 crew, he described it as being the mayor of a small city.

“Everything is 10 times crazier when you’re mayor of a city that’s floating in the middle of the sea.”

Some codes such as “PVI” (public vomiting incident) are simply to avoid putting guests off their margaritas. Brandon said he had to call two to three of these a day. A possible “man overboard” is referred to as “Oscar” so as to not alarm guests. The nautical flag “O for Oscar”- one yellow triangle and one red - has been used to signal a sailor overboard since the 1700s.

Presser said in 10 years he had only dealt with four or five of these distressing calls.

More morbid still are the “star” codes. Many cruise lines will have a variation on this, some calling “Bright Star” or “Rising Star”, and just “Code Star” on Celebrity cruises. All signify a serious medical emergency or death onboard.

Generally, the phonetic alphabet is reserved for the more serious situations and is universally understood so other ships can come to their aid.

However, each company and ship tends to develop its own sailor slang, as a melting pot of workers from different countries and cultures.

For example “Mamagayo” - possibly from the Filipino for “dear Grandmother” - has come to be cruise slang for somebody who is lazy or slow. With more than 325,000 international cruise workers from the Philippines, the culture is now throughout the industry.

Words such as “makan” from the Filipino “to eat” have been widely adopted when referring to food - as in “let’s grab something to makan”.

Here is a list of nine cruise code words used by the cruise cognoscenti and what they mean:

• Code Alpha: Used to signal a medical emergency on Royal Caribbean ships, though can signal a more general emergency on Carnival ships.
• Code Bravo: “Fire on board” - from the red naval Bravo flag which means “live fire” or ready firefighters.
• Code Delta: Damage to the ship or difficulty manoeuvring.
• Code Echo: Another one you don’t want to hear. Normally repeated three times “Echo, Echo, Echo” means “Brace for collision!” It can also signal the possibility of collision in strong winds or drifting in port.
• Code Kilo: All crew report to emergency stations and prepare lifeboats.
• Code Oscar: Man overboard.
• Code Papa: From the “Blue Peter” flag, normally a call for all staff to report on deck, it can also signal a ship has run aground or become entangled. On Norwegian ships it can also signal an environmental accident such as an oil spill.
• Code Whisky or Code Victor: Urgent assistance required from from nearby vessels. Urgent medical assistance in the case of “Code Victor”. Similarly “pan, pan” for assistance needed or “mayday” for urgent assistance on radio broadcast.
• Code Zulu: A fight has broken out between guests or possibly crew.

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Search suspended for man who fell overboard from Carnival cruise ship near Florida

Ronnie Peale Jr., 35, fell over his balcony railing on Monday, Carnival said.

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a Virginia man who fell from a cruise ship balcony earlier this week.

Ronnie Peale Jr., 35, went overboard from a Carnival Magic cruise ship traveling off the coast of Florida on Monday, the Coast Guard said.

After searching more than 5,171 square miles over the course of 60 hours, the Coast Guard said Wednesday night that it has suspended search efforts for Peale.

MORE: Search suspended for 4 people missing after Alaskan charter boat sinks: Coast Guard

"The decision to suspend the active search efforts pending further development is never one we take lightly," Coast Guard District Seven search and rescue mission coordinator Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hooper said in a statement . "We offer our most sincere condolences to Mr. Peale's family and friends."

Carnival Cruise Lines personnel contacted Coast Guard watchstanders at 6:36 p.m. on Monday to report that a passenger had fallen off the ship, which was 186 miles east of Jacksonville, the Coast Guard said.

Peale's companion reported him missing late Monday afternoon and "an initial review of closed circuit security footage confirms that he leaned over the railing of his stateroom balcony and dropped into the water at approximately 4:10 a.m. Monday," Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement to ABC News.

His partner, Jennilyn Blosser, told Richmond ABC affiliate WRIC that the footage showed him leaning over the railing and that it looks like he accidentally fell.

"It's not like he was like jumping, like you know, it wasn't like that at all," Blosser told the station.

MORE: US teen missing after going overboard on sunset cruise in the Bahamas

Blosser said she woke up at 11:30 a.m. that morning and spent hours trying to find Peale. His mother, Linda Peale, told WRIC she knew something was wrong when her son didn't call that day to check in on his dogs.

Peale, from New Hope, Virginia, was on his first cruise and was celebrating Blosser's birthday with her family, Linda Peale said.

She described her son as "full of life" and someone who loved old cars, gardening and cooking.

"My son was a wonderful man," Linda Peale told WRIC.

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23-year-old Scottish man falls overboard from MSC Euribia

A Scottish man is presumed missing after falling overboard from an MSC cruise ship while traveling in Europe.

Liam Jones, a resident of Dundee, was aboard the MSC Euribia , navigating through various European countries over the weekend.

Concerns mount for the 23-year-old as he disappeared during the ship's journey from Hamburg to Rotterdam on Sunday, March 17.

It is reported that Liam was on vacation with his family at the time of the incident.

His relatives express uncertainty about his whereabouts and have received minimal information from authorities.

Police Scotland officers notified them about the occurrence on Thursday, March 21.

The cruise operator has verified the disappearance of a passenger.

A spokeswoman for MSC Cruises stated that a passenger on board MSC Euribia had been reported missing, who they believed had gone overboard, on March 17 as the ship had sailed from Hamburg to Rotterdam .

“The authorities have been informed and have been on board the vessel. “We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time. Out of respect for the family’s privacy we will refrain from disclosing any additional information. “Our customer care team have been in continuous contact with the family and remain in contact.”

For more MSC Euribia incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page .

Watch: World's largest cruise ship rescues 14 people stranded at sea for over a week

Passengers caught the unusual sight on video when people stranded on a small boat flagged down the behemoth ship for help..

Cruise ship rescued 14 stranded at sea for over a week

This was the scene from the lunch buffet during the first full day of cruising for the Icon of the Seas. The crew rescued all 14 from the distressed boat which was dwarfed by the largest cruise ship in the world.

The largest cruise ship in the world rescued 14 people Sunday who had been stranded on a small boat for eight days.

Alessandra Amodio was traveling on Royal Caribbeans's Icon of the Seas with her family when the rescue happened.

"We were really surprised and honestly a little freaked out," Amodio said. "We’ve been on a handful of cruises and never seen something like this happen. It was crazy to think that these people were stuck at sea for so long, and we were all on board excited and relieved that the ship was able to rescue them."

WATCH: STORM FLOODS CRUISE SHIP IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

The largest cruise ship in the world has 20 decks, 2,800 guest cabins, holds 2,350 crew, seven pools and a water park.

(Alessandra Amodio / FOX Weather)

She watched the small boat from the windows of the lunch buffet. People on the tiny craft were waving a large white flag.

"The boat turned around, and we pulled up as close as we could to them and stopped," Amodio said. "RCC (Royal Caribbean) deployed a small zodiac-type rescue boat to investigate."

As you can imagine, turning around the largest cruise ship in the world takes quite a while. Getting near a small boat without swamping it in the ship's wake takes careful skill. The detour and rescue took about two hours, according to Amodio.

"Everyone around us was watching from the windows with us and just talking about how this isn’t something we ever thought to experience, and we hoped everyone on board was OK," she said. "But never were we afraid for ourselves."

CARNIVAL CRUISE'S JUBILEE VESSEL RESCUE TWO MEN OFF MEXICO

The Icon of the Seas at port.

She described the boat as a small dot in the vastness of the sea.

Royal Caribbean didn't provide much information about the rescue.

"On March 3, 2024,  Icon of the Seas  encountered a small vessel adrift and in need of assistance," the company said in a statement. "The ship’s crew immediately launched a rescue operation, safely bringing 14 people onboard. The crew provided them with medical attention , and is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard."

Amodio said the crew had to take several trips to the small boat to rescue everyone.

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One of many rescue trips to bring those stranded on board the cruise ship

This is video of one of the trips the cruise ship's crew made to bring back those rescued.

This was the ship's first full day of cruising. The eight-day vacation started in Miami and the ship was headed for Honduras. Amodio estimated from a map that the Icon of the Seas was between Cozumel, Mexico and western Cuba.

Captain's legal responsibility to aid boaters in distress

According to Amodio, the crew broadcast "Code Oscar, Code Oscar, Code Oscar," over the loudspeakers, about 3 p.m.

"Then shortly after, the captain came back on the speaker and announced they spotted a distressed vessel, and they were going to turn us around and investigate," she said. 

Amodio said that after the rescue, the captain announced that the crew had rescued 14 people stranded at sea for eight days. The captain said he didn't know what country they came from.

All the rescued people left the ship the next day while docked in Roatan, Honduras, she said.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

File: In an aerial view, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, billed as the world's largest cruise ship, is moored at PortMiami after returning from its maiden voyage on February 03, 2024, in Miami, Florida. The 1,197-foot long ship cost $1.79 billion to build, has 20 decks, and can hold a maximum of 7,600 people. 

(Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

According to maritime law, a ship and crew have a legal and moral obligation to help save human life.

"A master of a ship at sea, which is in a position to be able to provide assistance on receiving a signal from any source that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance," stated the International Maritime Organization .

Code Oscar is unique to Royal Caribbean, according to Marine Insight . The emergency code is usually used when a person falls overboard. Captains use the signal instead of shouting orders to "prevent the potentiality of chaos."

This is the Icon of the Seas' inaugural season. Its very first voyage with passengers was early this year, and FOX Weather got a tour.

CRUISE SHIP CARNIVAL SUNSHINE POUNDED BY LARGE WAVES DURING COASTAL STORM NEAR CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

World's largest cruise ship debuting in Miami

It's time to say goodbye to your worries and set sail on your next vacation. Royal Caribbean has made history in Miami this week with the arrival of their largest cruise ship yet, called Icon of the Seas. It has a bunch of weather-ready amenities, including its own chief meteorologist, and that's just the start. Lifestyle expert Carey Reilly is on deck to give us a sneak peek at the boatloads of fun.

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The Secret Code Word You Should Be Horrified To Hear On A Cruise Ship

W hen traveling by plane, you might notice mysterious code words used by flight attendants . Cruise ship crews, too, use code words to relay important messages, though they're often not the same ones you might hear uttered at 30,000 feet in the sky. Case in point: code Oscar.

According to Spencer Aronfeld, a lawyer who specializes in cruise ship lawsuits, the phrase "code Oscar" has a dark meaning that's unique to ships. Aronfeld explained in a TikTok video, "If you're on a cruise and you hear the code announced 'code Oscar, code Oscar,' that's how you know that a passenger's been reported as having gone overboard." Alternatively, you may hear the term "Mr. Mob," which stands for "man overboard."

The lawyer did note that some reports of people falling off cruise ships are false alarms triggered when the ship's radars and cameras spot an object, such as litter or a lounge chair. Still, a true "code Oscar" situation can occur and isn't as rare as you might assume.

Read more: 15 Reasons You Should Never Take A Cruise

Hundreds Have Fallen From Cruise Ships

In his TikTok clip, Spencer Aronfeld claims that code Oscar accidents happen every month on cruise ships, and once someone has gone over the railing, there's little chance of saving them. More concrete statistics were published in a report by G. P. Wild (International) Limited for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA): Between 2009 and 2019, 212 cases of passengers going overboard were identified. Of those, 48 passengers were rescued. That comes out to, on average, over 21 overboards per year and a 23% survival rate.

However, as most who have cruised before know, it's not that easy to fall off. It's highly unlikely for a cruise to tip over , and tall railings are placed throughout the decks to prevent accidental falls. Brian Salerno, the senior vice president for maritime policy at the CLIA, told The New York Times , "The vast majority of cases are either reckless behavior or some form of intentional act." Salerno added, "People don't just inadvertently fall over the side of a ship." According to the article, drunkenness is often to blame, as is simply climbing on a ledge or leaning a little too far over a balcony railing. Sadly, some passengers also plunge into the water of their own volition.

What Happens If Someone Falls Overboard?

When a passenger falls off a cruise ship, the crew should be immediately notified by the vessel's radars, triggering the "code Oscar" alert. However, this doesn't always happen, depending on the ship's technology. In 2016, a woman fell from a cruise ship pool deck in the middle of the night, and though a camera captured her fall, the footage allegedly wasn't viewed until the next day, after her friends reported her missing to the crew.

If the cruise staff are alerted of the fall when it occurs, however, you'll likely hear an emergency announcement and notice crew members springing to action. The ship may turn back in an attempt to find the fallen passenger, and the cruise workers will likely use searchlights to scan the water. Dr. Simon Boxall, an oceanographer at the University of Southampton, told The Telegraph that what happens in the seconds following the fall usually determines the cruiser's chances of survival. "If you fall from a great height, not only do you risk breaking a limb as you hit the water, but it will knock all the air out of you and you can drown very quickly," he explained.

If you see someone fall overboard on your cruise, or if you notice a passenger behaving recklessly around the ship's railings, say something. Call for help and notify a cruise employee right away to help prevent the unthinkable.

Read the original article on Explore .

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Man buys flat on a cruise ship for £246,465 because it’s more affordable

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A man has purchased an apartment on a cruise ship so he can travel the globe and work remotely.

Austin Wells will soon trade in his city home for life at sea , claiming it’s not only more affordable, but it’s a way for him to see the world.

The 28-year-old, from San Diego , has bought a 12-year lease for a flat on board the MV Narrative – a mega cruise ship made up of 500 private rooms and apartments.

Paying $300,000 (£246,465) for a studio, Austin’s 237 square foot room will feature a foldaway bed, pantry, desk and separate shower room.

The ship will also host 20 restaurants and bars, a school, a library, a bank, a cinema and a swimming pool.

Residents living on board the ship will have access to a gym and farmer’s market, as well as medical services, 24-hour room service, and private kitchens.

However, it’s worth pointing out that the ship is still under construction in Croatia and isn’t due to set sail until 2025.

Looking at the financials, Austin will save money too, with a flat in San Diego, California, costing around $2,500 (£1,980) per month in rent – compared to his cruise room setting him back $2,000 (£1,587) per month. A monthly saving of around £500.

The 28-year-old told  CBNC : ‘The thing that most excites me is I don’t have to upend my daily routine, in order to go see the world.

‘My working hours will be shifted towards evenings, nights and very early mornings, but that does open up the ability for me to see a city midday to afternoon.

‘This is probably the first time ever that there is even the ability to have a standard job and even consider working and living from a floating apartment complex.’

Austin will join 1,000 other residents on board and hopes to make lots of new friends, as he’ll be ‘travelling the world with them’.

These live-in passengers will also be given the opportunity to rent out apartments – with Austin’s flat capable of fetching around $4,500 (£3,696.97) a month.

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