Terrifying Waterslide Incident on Icon of the Seas

A frightening event unfolded aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas when a waterslide unexpectedly cracked open mid-ride, resulting in one passenger being injured. The accident took place on Thursday during a seven-day cruise around the eastern Caribbean, leaving a significant hole in the tubular slide. This incident has raised concerns about safety measures on cruise ships.

Immediate Response and Passenger Safety

As water gushed from the broken section, passengers quickly reacted, shouting “stop the slide” to prevent further injuries. A video capturing the chaos showed the commotion onboard after an acrylic glass panel shattered while a man was using the slide. The cries of “STOP THE SLIDE!” and “OH MY GOD SOMEBODY JUST FELL OUT OF THE SLIDE!” echoed through the ship, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Medical Assistance and Investigation

Royal Caribbean Group promptly provided medical care to the injured passenger. A spokesperson confirmed that an adult guest received treatment after acrylic glass broke off as he passed through the slide. The guest’s condition is reported as stable, according to ABC News. The waterslide has been closed for the remainder of the voyage pending a thorough investigation.

Safety Measures and Future Precautions

The Icon of the Seas, renowned as one of the largest and most advanced cruise ships globally, features a waterpark with six slides and was carrying thousands of vacationers at the time. The company has committed to evaluating all safety procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The exact cause of the acrylic glass failure remains unknown, but Royal Caribbean has pledged to conduct comprehensive safety inspections and repairs before reopening the slide.

Background on Icon of the Seas

Launched in January 2024, Icon of the Seas can accommodate nearly 10,000 people at full capacity. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards on such large vessels to ensure passenger well-being.