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A woman on a cruise ship out of Miami died after falling from a balcony on the boat Sunday and reportedly landing on another passenger.

The woman tumbled from her balcony onto a deck below shortly after the Virgin Voyages ship set sail for Roatan, Honduras, the cruise company told news outlets Monday.

“This passenger went over their balcony onto a lower deck, and despite receiving immediate medical attention, has passed away,” a Virgin Voyages spokesperson said in a statement. 

When she plunged to the lower deck of the line’s Valiant Lady ship, the woman apparently fell on top of another passenger, TMZ reported .

That person is doing OK, according to the outlet.

The cruise ship was immediately turned around and returned to Miami following the death. Crews are working with local officials there, Virgin Voyages said.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and our hearts and thoughts are with this person’s loved ones,” the company spokesperson said.

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Passenger dies aboard 9-month Royal Caribbean cruise around the world

A guest aboard a nine-month Royal Caribbean cruise around the globe has died, the company said Tuesday. 

"A guest sailing on board Serenade of the Seas has sadly passed away," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement.

Details about the passenger and the circumstances of the death were not disclosed. 

"We are actively providing support and assistance to the guest's loved ones at this time. Out of the privacy of the guest and their family, we have nothing further to share at this time," the spokesperson said.

Serenade of the Seas took off from Miami on Dec. 10 on the Ultimate World Cruise voyage.

The trip takes passengers across the seas over 274 nights to all seven continents, over 60 countries and 11 world wonders, including the Taj Mahal in India and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.

The ship crossed through Mexico, the Caribbean, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador on its South America leg in January. On Sunday, the Asia Pacific leg of the voyage began; the ship will pass through Hawaii, Polynesia and Australia. From there, it will continue to other major destinations, including South Korea, Japan, India, the United Arab Emirates and Greece. 

Serenade of the Seas boasts 13 decks and 1,073 guest rooms, and it can accommodate over 2,100 guests.

The Ultimate World Cruise has piqued the interest of a corner of TikTok , with some users comparing the voyage to a reality TV show experience. Users have pointed out that with so much time at sea, much can happen, including relationships, fights, pregnancy and deaths.

Several passengers on board have been consistently documenting the journey on TikTok, sharing a peek into life at sea.

One creator went so far as to make an "Ultimate World Cruise Bingo card" predicting events that could unfold, including "minor mystery to solve," "stowaway," "2nd COVID outbreak" and "staff dates passenger."

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Passenger dies aboard 9-month royal caribbean cruise around the world.

A guest aboard a nine-month Royal Caribbean cruise around the globe has died, the company said Tuesday.

"A guest sailing on board Serenade of the Seas has sadly passed away," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement.

Details about the passenger and the circumstances of the death were not disclosed.

"We are actively providing support and assistance to the guest's loved ones at this time. Out of the privacy of the guest and their family, we have nothing further to share at this time," the spokesperson said.

Serenade of the Seas took off from Miami on Dec. 10 on the Ultimate World Cruise voyage.

The trip takes passengers across the seas over 274 nights to all seven continents, over 60 countries and 11 world wonders, including the Taj Mahal in India and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.

The ship crossed through Mexico, the Caribbean, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador on its South America leg in January. On Sunday, the Asia Pacific leg of the voyage began; the ship will pass through Hawaii, Polynesia and Australia. From there, it will continue to other major destinations, including South Korea, Japan, India, the United Arab Emirates and Greece.

Serenade of the Seas boasts 13 decks and 1,073 guest rooms, and it can accommodate over 2,100 guests.

The Ultimate World Cruise has piqued the interest of a corner of TikTok , with some users comparing the voyage to a reality TV show experience. Users have pointed out that with so much time at sea, much can happen, including relationships, fights, pregnancy and deaths.

Several passengers on board have been consistently documenting the journey on TikTok, sharing a peek into life at sea.

One creator went so far as to make an "Ultimate World Cruise Bingo card" predicting events that could unfold, including "minor mystery to solve," "stowaway," "2nd COVID outbreak" and "staff dates passenger."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

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Norwegian cruise employee arrested for allegedly stabbing multiple people on board

A Norwegian Cruise Line employee was arrested Tuesday after allegedly stabbing multiple people during an Alaska cruise.

Personnel onboard Norwegian Encore saw Ntando Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat late on Sunday evening, according to an affidavit signed by Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Matthew B. Judy.

Sogoni, a South African citizen, had joined the ship that day in Seattle.

Ship security officers took him to the medical center for evaluation. When he was taken to an exam room he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” attacking a security guard and a male nurse, the affidavit said.

He then ran to another exam room, grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a 75-year-old woman there for a medical assessment “several times in the arm, hand, and face.” The woman was a U.S. citizen.

“Security guards intervened and Sogoni stabbed two guards with the scissors before they could subdue and detain him,” the affidavit said. He allegedly stabbed one in the head and the other in the back and shoulder. The injuries were not life threatening. 

The attack occurred shortly before 2 a.m. PDT on Monday, according to the document. The ship was west of Vancouver Island and roughly 16.5 miles from land at the time.

Sogoni was held in the ship’s jail until Encore reached Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska said in a news release that he is charged with assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count.

An attorney for Sogoni was not listed.

A Norwegian spokesperson told USA TODAY that a "newly employed crew member was observed exhibiting unusual and irrational behavior."

"The ship’s security team escorted the crew member to the medical center for evaluation and assessment, where he became violent without provocation, attacking two other crew members and a guest," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "The security team quickly detained him, and the onboard medical staff treated those involved for non-life-threatening injuries."

Relevant law enforcement authorities were "immediately" contacted and took custody of the employee upon the ship's arrival in Juneau. "We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships," the spokesperson added. "We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions."

Senior ship leadership has been monitoring the situation, and senior company executives traveled to Juneau to meet and help the passenger. "We will continue to assist the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation," the spokesperson said.

The news comes after a Carnival Cruise Line guest pleaded guilty in February to assaulting a fellow passenger and smashing a glass in their face.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Cruise Ship Worker Accused of Stabbing 3 Passengers with Scissors After 'Exhibiting Unusual Behavior'

The South African man -- who was arrested by the FBI -- allegedly "grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman multiple times in the arm, hand and face."

A cruise ship employee has been accused of stabbing three passengers on board a vessel bound for Alaska.

Ntando Sogoni, who is from South Africa, was arrested by the FBI on criminal charges after he allegedly attacked three people with medical scissors, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska .

Horrific Discovery After Man Asks Police for Cigarette In Exchange for Info on 'Incident' with Wife

Per court docs, Sogoni was working on the vessel when his other workers saw him attempting to release a lifeboat. After they contacted security, he was escorted to the ship's medical center, where he allegedly "attacked" multiple people.

"Upon arrival, Sogoni physically attacked a security guard and a male nurse inside an examination room and proceeded to enter another examination room where a woman, who is a U.S. citizen, was being examined," the U.S. Attorney's Office wrote in the press release. "He grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman multiple times in the arm, hand and face. He also stabbed two security guards who intervened -- one in the head and one in the back and shoulders."

He was then detained and held in the ship's jail, before he was arrested by the FBI.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Sogoni has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. If he's found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

"A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors," the press release noted.

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In an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy obtained by NBC News , Sogoni had just recently been hired and boarded the Norweigan Encore in Seattle on May 5. The vessel set sail that Sunday for a weeklong cruise in several ports in Alaska and British Columbia.

Norwegian Cruise Line addressed the alleged incident in a statement shared with PEOPLE , telling the outlet they will "assist the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation."

"On May 6, 2024, a newly employed crew member was observed exhibiting unusual and irrational behavior," the company said. "The ship's security team escorted the crew member to the medical center for evaluation and assessment, where he became violent without provocation, attacking two other crew members and a guest. The security team quickly detained him, and the onboard medical staff treated those involved for non-life-threatening injuries."

"The relevant law enforcement authorities were immediately contacted and took custody of the crew member once the ship arrived in Juneau, Alaska," it continued. "We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships. We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions."

"Senior ship leadership have been actively engaged and continue to closely monitor all involved with the support of senior company executives who immediately traveled to Juneau to meet, escort and assist the guest," the cruise line concluded.

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Passenger describes panic on cruise ship after a man fell overboard: 'I instantly felt sick to my stomach'

• A 41-year-old passenger fell overboard during a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• A fellow passenger said he felt "sick to his stomach" after the captain announced the news.
• The US Coast Guard said it ended its search for the man on Christmas Day.

A 41-year-old man fell overboard while aboard Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas cruise ship, which was headed to the Bahamas.

According to the US Coast Guard, the ship was 127 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina, when the incident occurred.

The Coast Guard said Monday that it has since called off its search for the missing person.

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In an interview with local newspaper The Post and Courier, 21-year-old passenger Jake Utzinger said he was lying in his bed when the captain announced the news on December 23.

"I instantly felt sick to my stomach knowing that one of our fellow travelers had been lost at sea," he told the newspaper.

According to the outlet, the ship stopped and the crew used a strobe light to search for the passenger for six hours. Utzinger said he and other guests headed to the pool deck to try to help with the search.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said that the crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities who launched a search and rescue mission.

"Out of privacy for the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share," they added.

In a post on X, the Coast Guard said it suspended its efforts on Monday, after an eight-hour search that covered more than 1,625 square miles.

At least 10 other people have fallen overboard from cruise ships this year, Business Insider previously reported . Two of those passengers survived.

According to CruiseMapper , which tracks the locations of thousands of cruises around the world, the Vision of the Seas ship is currently traveling around the Bahamas.

The ship has the capacity to carry 2,500 passengers, and features a rock-climbing wall, outdoor movie screen, and swimming pools.

Watch: Terrifying video aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship that battled hurricane-force winds and 30-foot waves

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Two crew members dead after fatal 'engine room explosion' on cruise in the Bahamas

P assengers on board a cruise ship where two crew members died following an explosion in the engine room have detailed the terrifying ordeal.

People onboard the Holland America cruise from Florida to the Bahamas were expecting a luxurious time during the seven-night trip, but quickly turned into a holiday from hell when a fatal blast happened.

The 2,100-seat Nieuw Amsterdam had docked at Half Moon Bay in Little San Salvador on Friday when the explosion happened. Just a week earlier it had left Fort Lauderdale.

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Jim Walker, a Florida maritime lawyer, was sent photos of what crew members described as the aftermath of the blast in a steam compensator. Two men working nearby were trapped and died as a result.

He said: "Holland America says that it notified ‘the appropriate authorities’ and is currently investigating the incident.They did not identify the investigating agency nor state whether it will release additional information. Cruise lines which perform investigations following accidents of this type keep their finding and conclusions secret."

Travel blogger Laine Doss was one of the passengers onboard. Speaking about the shock announcement which was made to all, she said: "‘Today, at 3pm, when the Captain asked for our attention, I was convinced it was a weather announcement. Instead, he announced that two crew members were killed in an engine room accident.

"I was working on my computer at the Ocean Bar, a lovely venue with panoramic views. Suddenly, the convivial chatter and clink of glasses turned somber as we heard the captain’s voice break as he announced the news. One woman started crying. The rest of us lifted our glasses in tribute."

The cruise line urgently contacted authorities to let them know about the accident - which is being investigated - and explained other staff were being offered counselling, MailOnline reports .

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US .

A spokesman said: "All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time. The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority."

Another passenger, Bonnie Shapiro, wrote on social media: "The staff is keeping smiles on their faces and making sure their passengers are getting great service, but it must be so difficult for them, they are truly professionals."

It's not the first time the ship has been involved in a serious accident. Back in 2017, there was a grounding at Santa Cruz Huatulco in Mexico due to strong winds which broke mooring lies. Two years later the cruise liner was also struck by sister ship MS Oosterdam while docking in Vancouver, Canada.

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Cruise Passenger Killed in Bus Accident at Honolulu Port

• April 13, 2024

One person has been reported dead, and several others were injured after a shuttle bus accident that occurred at the Honolulu cruise port pier on Friday morning.

Shuttle bus collided with cruise guests

The bus collided with pedestrians and concrete barriers at the Pier 2 cruise terminal where Carnival Miracle was docked.

The bus driver was informed the bus was not motionless and was moving forward. He jumped in the seat but mistakenly pressed down on the gas instead of the brakes. It then careered into a group of pedestrians. The impact claimed the life of a 68-year-old woman from Illinois.

She was on a cruise to celebrate her 46th wedding anniversary. Her husband was injured but is expected to make a full recovery.

Rich said the two couples were waiting to board the bus to go shopping in Honolulu when “it happened so quickly.” Funded by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and other tourism stakeholders, VASH provides emotional and practical help for Hawaii tourists in crisis. 

In a statement, Carnival said, “Nine Carnival Miracle guests were hit by a shuttle bus in the transportation area outside the Honolulu cruise terminal on Friday morning, April 12. Sadly, one guest has died from her injuries. She was traveling with her husband, who was also injured and is expected to recover. Members of the Carnival Care Team are assisting the guests. Our thoughts are with the guests affected and their loved ones.”

Several other guests were treated for injuries

Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Shayne Enright said paramedics transported at least four others to hospital, with one in a serious condition. Several others were treated at the scene. Most of them, including the woman who died, were guests on the Carnival Miracle. 

Carnival Miracle is on a 15-night Hawaii cruise from Long Beach, California.

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44-Foot Whale Found Dead on Bow of Cruise Ship Coming Into New York

The endangered sei whale, usually found in deep waters, was discovered on the bow of a cruise ship as it arrived at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, marine authorities said.

By Livia Albeck-Ripka

As the cruise ship approached New York on Saturday, it was found to be carrying a grim, and unexpected, catch: The carcass of a 44-foot-long endangered whale, draped across its bow.

The whale, which marine authorities described as a sei whale, is known for its rapid swimming and preference for deep waters, far from the coast. Its body was discovered as the ship neared the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and the authorities were “immediately notified,” said MSC Cruises, which owns the ship.

A spokeswoman for the company said in an email that it had “comprehensive measures” in place to avoid such collisions, including training deck officers and altering itineraries in certain areas to avoid them. “We will continue to evaluate and update our procedures with our partners and the authorities,” she said.

Marine authorities said that they had towed the animal, estimated to weigh some 50,000 pounds, from the bow, and transferred it by boat to a beach in Sandy Hook, N.J., where they conducted a necropsy on Tuesday.

The investigation is continuing, but preliminary results — broken bones in the whale’s right flipper; tissue trauma along its right shoulder blade; a full stomach and decent layer of blubber — all pointed toward the animal having been in otherwise good health when it was likely struck and killed by the ship, said Robert A. DiGiovanni, the chief scientist of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, which is leading the investigation .

The whale was already “pretty decomposed” by the time scientists began the necropsy, he added, so they worked quickly to collect samples that could be tested for contaminants and other biotoxins that would indicate any other relevant health issues. “It looks like the animal was alive and it was hit by a vessel,” he said, noting that investigators had not ruled out other factors.

Mr. DiGiovanni said that his conservation group, which is federally authorized to respond to marine mammal strandings in New York, had dealt with more than 100 whales over the past several years, many of which had been entangled in nets or struck by vessels. Most of those whales were humpback and North Atlantic right whales, he added, noting that it was more uncommon to come across a sei whale.

Sei whales usually live in subtropical, temperate and subpolar waters and are named after the Norwegian word for pollock, “seje,” because the mammals are often found together with the fish. Their long, sleek bodies are usually dark blue or black with a cream-colored underside, and are often scarred by shark and lamprey bites.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the whales were commercially hunted for their meat and oil, decimating their population, which is now designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act .

Mr. DiGiovanni said that the death was a reminder that humans shared the open water with many other mammals. “When you’re out there, these animals might be there,” he said. “We need to make people more aware about how to operate around these animals.”

A spokeswoman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said by email that mariners along the East Coast were encouraged to slow down their vessels, stay alert, and report any sightings of dead, injured or entangled whales to the authorities.

Livia Albeck-Ripka is a Times reporter based in Los Angeles, covering breaking news, California and other subjects. More about Livia Albeck-Ripka

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What Happens When a Passenger Dies on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ship vacations are meant to be a time for fun and relaxation, however, they can sometimes be met with a medley of worst-case scenarios. As with most things, age can often play a role. A 2018 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report found that 50% of cruise ship passengers were over the age of 50, and almost a third of that 50% were over 70 years old.

With this age data, and given that an average cruise ship carries between 3,000 and 5,000 passengers, the chances of someone dying on board are not remote. In fact, it is estimated that around 200 people die on cruise ships each year. Some estimates count three deaths on cruise ships per week. Here, we explore a few of the more common steps taken by cruise lines in the unfortunate event of a passenger death. 

Initial Steps When a Passenger Dies on a Cruise Ship

First, ship officials must notify port authorities, and have onboard medical personnel immediately examine the body. Additionally, all staff must be trained to handle both the logistics of disembarking a body and the emotional needs of fellow passengers and loved ones. Staff must immediately notify the passengers traveling with the guest on the same reservation. If the passenger is traveling alone, the cruise line will need to notify the emergency contact named by the deceased passenger. In some cases, cruise lines will have ministers and small chapels for religious people to use and perform final rites according to the passenger’s faith.

“Operation Rising Star” and Other Special Codes

Through this and other emergency procedures, cruise staff uses specific codes based on the circumstances. These codes are intended to allow crew members and other personnel to communicate with one another and adhere to the necessary procedures without causing additional worry or unnecessary havoc with the other passengers on board.

Among these emergency codes are “Charlie” for security threats, “Delta” for bio-hazard in some cruise lines, and “Bravo” for a fire emergency in most cruise lines. In some cases, the codes change depending on the cruise line. For example, while Royal Caribbean ships use “Alpha” for medical emergencies, Carnival ships use it for fire emergencies.

However, for extremely sensitive matters, almost all cruise lines use the same critical codes. “Operation Bright Star,” is used for serious medical issues, while “Operation Rising Star,” is used in the event of a death on board.

Disembarkation When a Passenger Dies on Board

The onboard team must be qualified to handle early disembarkation and repatriation arrangements. Unfortunately, the cost will fall on the passenger’s family or travel companions, rather than the cruise line. Some travel insurance policies cover disembarkation and repatriation in the event of death on board, so travelers should be insured before going on their vacation.

In most cases, the body will be removed from the cruise ship in the next major port of call. This will depend on factors like local regulations, the vacation itinerary, and the ship and cruise line’s home country. To avoid upsetting the other passengers, disembarkation will usually take place as early in the morning as possible. Typically, someone who was traveling with the deceased passenger, particularly a relative or loved one, will need to disembark with the body. To be allowed on shore, everyone who disembarks must have a valid passport. Otherwise, they may need an emergency passport.

Repatriation for a Passenger Who Died on a Cruise Ship

Once the deceased and their loved one arrive at the closest port of call, the port’s country must be able to issue a death certificate recognized in the deceased’s home country. The body can then be flown back to the person’s home country. For their loved ones, this can be a long, painful, and costly process. It will involve a lot of paperwork, as well as embassy support if needed, and translation services if there are language differences.

At times, ports lack adequate infrastructure to handle disembarkation and repatriation requirements, and the cruise ship may recommend keeping the body on board until the ship returns to its home port.

Morgues on Cruise Ships

Most cruise ships are required to have a morgue on board as well as enough body bags in case of an emergency. The body will be kept at the morgue until it can be disembarked at the next major port or at the port of origin.

The cruise ship morgue is usually a stainless steel refrigerated room where bodies can be stored. They are usually found on the ship’s lowest deck, along the ship-wide corridor known as the I-95. While smaller cruise lines can accommodate 2-3 bodies, larger ships can sometimes store up to 10 bodies.

Death by Negligence on a Cruise Ship

While most deaths on cruise ships occur due to natural causes, some are caused by onboard injuries, suicide, or even foul play. In the event of foul play, the FBI or the appropriate investigative team will be called to examine the situation and interview all parties involved. The suspects may be held in a small brig on the ship until local authorities arrive.

If a passenger’s death is the result of injuries sustained due to neglect or mistreatment on board, such as inadequate medical care or failure to address dangerous individuals, the victim’s family may wish to consult with qualified attorneys to explore the possibility of seeking compensation.

It is unpleasant to contemplate the possibility of a passenger death occurring on a cruise ship, but unfortunately, it is not an uncommon occurrence. It is important to be aware of what happens in such situations and to know your rights as a passenger. In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one may need assistance, it is important to stay vigilant and seek help as needed.

At Maritime Injury Guide we are here to help and offer FREE legal consultations . If you or a loved one have been injured on a Cruise and you want to learn more about your rights and compensation that may be available to you, complete the form on this page or call 866-871-8422 now.

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/do-cruise-ships-have-morgues/

https://emmacruises.com/cruise-ship-deaths/

https://djaunter.com/when-someone-dies-on-a-cruise/

https://gizmodo.com/what-happens-if-you-die-on-a-cruise-ship-5919875

https://porteconomicsmanagement.org/pemp/contents/part1/ports-and-cruise-shipping/average-cruise-passenger-age-group/

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Cruise Ship Worker Accused of Stabbing 3 People with Scissors on Voyage to Alaska

The man from South Africa was arrested on Tuesday, May 7 after allegedly stabbing multiple people with medical scissors on May 6

Gabrielle Rockson is a staff writer-reporter for PEOPLE. She joined PEOPLE in 2023 and covers entertainment and human interest stories. She's interviewed David Beckham, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet and many others. Her previous work can be found in OK! Magazine, MyLondon, GRM Daily, and more.

Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty

A cruise ship worker has been accused of stabbing three people with scissors while sailing to Alaska.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office , the man from South Africa was arrested on Tuesday, May 7 after allegedly stabbing multiple people with medical scissors on May 6.

35-year-old Ntando Sogoni had reportedly been working on the ship when colleagues noticed him trying to release a lifeboat. The security team then contacted Sogoni and took him for an assessment in the vessel’s medical center.

“Upon arrival, Sogoni physically attacked a security guard and a male nurse inside an examination room and proceeded to enter another examination room where a woman, who is a U.S. citizen, was being examined,” the United States Attorney’s Office stated. 

“He grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman multiple times in the arm, hand and face,” the statement continued. “He also stabbed two security guards who intervened — one in the head and one in the back and shoulders. Sogoni was detained and held in the ship’s jail prior to his arrest.”

Per the U.S. attorney, the defendant has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.

Sogoni could face a maximum of  10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count if he is found guilty. 

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“A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors,” the U.S. attorney’s office stated.

According to NBC News , an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy reported that Sogoni had recently been hired and joined the Norwegian Encore cruise liner on May 5 in Seattle.

Sogoni was arrested by the FBI on May 7 when the ship arrived in Juneau, Alaska.

George Rose/Getty

In a statement, Norwegian Cruise Line told PEOPLE that they will continue "to assist the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation."

“On May 6, 2024, a newly employed crew member was observed exhibiting unusual and irrational behavior," the statement added. "The ship’s security team escorted the crew member to the medical center for evaluation and assessment, where he became violent without provocation, attacking two other crew members and a guest. The security team quickly detained him, and the onboard medical staff treated those involved for non-life-threatening injuries."

"The relevant law enforcement authorities were immediately contacted and took custody of the crew member once the ship arrived in Juneau, Alaska," the statement continued.

"We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships. We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions."

"Senior ship leadership have been actively engaged and continue to closely monitor all involved with the support of senior company executives who immediately traveled to Juneau to meet, escort and assist the guest."

Related Articles

Cruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors on board vessel bound for Alaska

Authorities say a cruise ship worker from South Africa has been arrested in Alaska’s capital city after he was accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel

JUNEAU, Alaska -- A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska's capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney's office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the 'late evening" Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” and “physically attacked” a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a “shipboard jail,” the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney's office says.

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Cruise Ship Deaths – Annual Statistics, Causes and Real Examples

You may be wondering how many people die on cruise ships annually. It’s inevitable that with so many people taking a cruise, some will die onboard. The majority will die from natural causes but not all are as innocent.

In recent years there have been many incidents of accidents, suicides, and murders.

How Many People Die on Cruise Ships Each Year?

There are many sources which quote 200 as the number of cruise ship deaths each year. The real number is likely to be higher as not all cruise lines and countries share their death statistics. The majority of deaths that occur onboard cruise ships are from natural causes although some die in accidents, murders, suicides, or overdoses. 

In the article, we will look at common cruise ship death causes and some examples which made it to the mainstream media.

Cruise Ship Death Statistics

There are relatively few sources that provide accurate death statistics for cruise lines. Accidents, suicides, and murders are well reported but deaths from natural causes are often missed from the figures. The website CruiseShipDeaths.com records many of the deaths that happen on cruise ships including deaths of crew members.

There are approximately 30 million people who took a cruise in 2019. Assuming that each took a cruise for one week that means that there are around 500 thousand guests at sea at any one time.

200 deaths out of 30,000,000 yearly passengers equate to 1 in 150,000 guests. This means that there are around 3/4 deaths per week.  

Cruise Ship Deaths – Murders

Although cruise ship murders are incredibly rare, they do happen. Murders are usually committed by a person that the victim knows and the majority of cruise ship murders involve arguments that escalate or a previous history of abuse.

For obvious reasons murders which happen on cruise ships are very rarely pre-planned.

It’s worth noting that guns are not allowed on cruise ships under any circumstances and as a result, most murders are either stabbings or involve pushing the victim into the ocean.

Tamara Loraine Tucker Murdered on Carnival Elation

Tamara Loraine Tucker was allegedly murdered by her ‘long term love’ onboard the Carnival Elation in 2018. The couple was taking a four-night cruise from Florida at the time.

An argument broke out just before midnight in their cabin on the 13th deck. Her partner Eric has admitted that he strangled her and pushed her over the balcony. She fell two decks down to deck 11 and died of blunt force trauma.

Eric was charged with murder in the second degree.

Kristy Manzanares Murdered on The Emerald Princess

In 2017 Kristy and Kenneth Manzanares were taking a cruise to Alaska onboard the Emerald Princess. Kristy was a 39-year-old mother of three and was traveling on the cruise with her husband and three teenage daughters.

Kenneth beat Kristy to death and attempted to throw her body overboard. He was caught by another person dragging her body out onto the balcony.  The murder took place in adjoining cabins on deck 9, cabins D726 and D728.

The video above shows news footage from the time of the incident. It was reported that other passengers heard Kristy’s screams and that the teenage girls suspected that their dad would do ‘something like this’.

Almarosa Tenorio Murdered on The Royal Princess

In 2018 Almarosa Terorio was cruising on the Royal Princess with her husband when she fell to her death. The couple was actually cruising in an inside cabin at the time but witnesses report seeing a man strangle her and then throw her overboard. The incident happened on the lido deck.

She fell down from deck 16 onto a lifeboat on deck 7 with such force that it actually broke the glass on the lifeboat. Many passengers report seeing blood and glass. The ship was held while the incident was investigated.

Darla J Mellinger Murdered on The Ryndam – Murder-Suicide

In 2015 Darla J Mellinger was murdered onboard Holland America’s Ryndam by her husband. They were taking a 14 night Caribbean cruise to celebrate the Easter holiday.

It’s reported that her husband John found a text from Darla to another man. He broke some glass in the cabin to make a weapon and stabbed Darla to death. After the murder, he hung himself in the bathroom.

Prior to the cruise, Darla had been to the hospital a stab wound to the chest which the pair had explained was caused by an accident.

Recommended Watching: Cruise Ship Killers

If you’re interested in cruise ship murders I recommend you watch the series Cruise Ship Killers. The show has changed the names of the people involved but the murders are real. It’s a little dramatic, but I enjoyed watching it.

Cruise ship killers is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

If you don’t have Amazon Prime you can use this link to sign up for a 30 day free trial. (It’s definitely possible to watch all episodes within the 30 days if you want to). Note: When you watch the show you’ll probably be curious as to who each episode is based on, I have written a guide which covers that here: Cruise Ship Killers – The REAL Deaths Behind The Show (Episode Guide)

Cruise Ship Deaths – Suicides

Sadly there are a number of people who decide to end their lives on cruise ships, mostly by jumping from the ship. It’s not only passengers who do this but also sometimes crew too.

I was actually on board a cruise where a man went overboard. We heard an announcement in our cabin and our next port stop was canceled so that we could search for the missing man. A number of other cruise ships also came from close by to join the search. He was never found and was presumed dead.

What would happen if you fell overboard on a cruise? The following post details step by step the processes that are in place:

Cruise Ships Stop if You Fall Overboard – Here’s What Happens

Crew Suicides and Coronavirus

In 2020 an increased number of crew members committed suicide during the coronavirus crisis. In may 2020,  5 crew members committed suicide on board cruise ships. Most jumped to their deaths and some hung themselves in cabin bathrooms.

Crew members at the time were unable to leave their cruise ships and were facing months at sea, sometimes quarantined to their cabins, with no real end in sight.

Cruise Ship Deaths – Accidental Deaths at Sea

Accidents happen at sea in the same way that they happen on land. Cruise ships are incredibly safe and the safety of passengers and crew is the primary concern for all.

That said many accidents still happen onboard when guests break rules, enter restricted areas, or simply just have bad luck. Accidents don’t just happen at sea but also when guests are on land on excursions.

Common examples of accidental cruise ship deaths include:

• Trips or Falls
• Accidents in Port
• Entering restricted areas
• Climbing from a balcony to another balcony

Salvatore Anello – Royal Caribbean Accidental Death

One of the highest-profile and most heartbreaking accidental death stories to occur on a cruise in recent years is that of grandfather Salvatore Anello who dropped his 18-month-old granddaughter from a window on to the dock below. The accident happened on the Freedom of the Seas.

“I wasn’t drinking and I wasn’t dangling her out of a window. I just wanted to knock on the glass with her as we did together so many times before. I was just so horribly wrong about our surroundings,” he said. – source.

Salvatore pleaded guilty to negligent homicide. In the above video he explains what happened and how he is trying to rebuild his life for his family.

Larent Mercer – Royal Caribbean Accidental Death

In 2019 a 16-year-old boy died when he tried to climb across outdoor balconies after losing his room key. Sadly this isn’t an isolated incident with many other people also meeting the same fate.

Some passengers who have died in this way have done so because they were trying to climb from deck to deck or to show off to friends and fellow guests.

Harmony of The Seas was docked in Labadee, Haiti at the time and the boy fell to his death landing on the pier below.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t EVER try to climb on, or around, cruise ship balconies. Losing your room key isn’t a problem at all, lots of people do it, and if you do you just need to go to reception to get a new card issued to you.

Despite all of the warnings some guests still do not respect the cruise lines rules and they try to do things like jump from the balconies. Guests who do such irresponsible things are usually banned from the cruise line for life, and from other cruise lines too. The video below shows one of these people.

No cruise line wants to have to recover a dead body or clean up the mess!

Cruise Ship Deaths – Swimming Pool Drownings

As with any swimming pool, there is always a risk of drowning. On some cruise lines, you will find lifeguards but this isn’t mandatory and not all cruise lines have them. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have recently added lifeguards but Princess cruises are one cruise line that doesn’t have lifeguards on duty.

There have been multiple drownings on Princess ships.

In 2014 a 29-year-old woman drowned on board the Sapphire Princess. A year later in 2015, an 8-year-old boy was found drowned also onboard Sapphire Princess.  In 2019 a man in his 30s was found drowned on board the Caribbean Princess.

Of course, Princess aren’t the only cruise line where this has happened:

In 2019 a 10-year-old boy drowned on a Genting cruise ship.

In 2015 an 8-year-old boy drowned onboard Liberty of the Seas.

In 2015 a 10-year-old girl drowned on board the Norwegian Gem.

There are many more examples.

Costa Concordia

In 2012 the Costa Concordia struck an underwater rock and capsized near Tuscany. The cruise ship was only eight years old and the captain on board was Francesco Schettino.

I’ve cruised with Costa since the event and many people still refuse to cruise with the cruise line because of this accident. In reality, it wasn’t the fault of Costa cruise line but that of a severely negligent captain.

Francesco Schettino

Francesco decided to change the route of the cruise ship which caused the accident. The ship sailed closer to land than she normally would and as a result, she overturned. 32 people lost their lives and captain Francesco was charged with manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

It’s a maritime tradition that the captain always goes down with his ship. Meaning that the captain should make sure that everybody else is off the ship before they disembark. Francesco didn’t do this and decided instead to save himself. He disobeyed orders to go back to the ship.

Now you go to the bow, you climb up the emergency ladder and coordinate the evacuation. You must tell us how many people, children, women and passengers are there and the exact number of each category,” said officials to Francesco Schettino. “What are you doing? Are you abandoning the rescue? Captain, this is an order, I am the one in charge now. You have declared abandoning ship,” he said, adding: “There are already bodies.” “How many?” Schettino says, prompting the cutting reply: “That is for you to tell me, what are you doing? Do you want to go home?” – source.

It’s estimated that the disaster cost Costa Cruises, owned by Carnival, around $2 billion dollars. To learn more about how the cruise industry overcame this disaster and other disasters similar to it, check out this video below:

Cruise Ship Deaths – Accidental Deaths in Port

As mentioned above some passengers do get injured, or die as a result of their activities when in port or on land. Cruise ship and organized excursions are usually very safe but it’s impossible to remove all risks from every activity.

Ovation of The Seas

One of the largest losses to life in recent years from an accidental death in port is when the Whakaari volcano in New Zealand erupted in 2019. Guests from Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of The Seas were visiting the island at the time.

At the time of the eruption, there were reportedly 47 people on the island and 19 people were killed, most on Royal Caribbean’s excursions. The victims included children as young as five.

Cruise Ship Deaths – Natural Causes

The majority of people who die on cruise ships do because of natural causes. Common causes are strokes and heart attacks as these strike quickly with little warning. People don’t send to board cruises if they have ongoing serious medical problems that aren’t well managed.

Travel insurance can get very expensive if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

It is incredibly important that you have travel insurance for any cruise. Onboard medical expenses are very expensive and costs can quickly add up if passengers need to be airlifted off the ship. I’ve been on a couple of cruises where the ship has had to make extra called to drop off passengers who were unwell.

Never ever ever ever cruise without travel insurance! Even if you are just cruising to the Caribbean from the USA, you NEED insurance. Compare quotes (for free) here: – USA – UK

Bruce Campbell

In 2019 Bruce Campbell was playing bingo onboard the Carnival Sunshine when he suffered a stroke. He was originally sent to a hospital in Freeport, Bahamas but they didn’t have the medical facilities to treat him.

He was cruising with his wife at the time and they didn’t have the necessary funds to get him back to America. Amazingly an anonymous donor donated the $20,000 needed for Bruce to be flown back to the US for treatment. This highlights the importance of travel insurance mentioned above.

Sadly Bruce later passed away but he was able to donate his organs to save numerous other people’s lives.

The video above talks more about this story.

Peggy Bowman

Peggy Bowman died at the age of 89 on board a Cunard cruise. She took a world cruise annually and died shortly after visiting the port of Honolulu in Hawaii. Peggy had been cruising since the 80s and died of a heart attack on board.

What a way to go!

To learn more about the process of what happens in the situation where somebody dies on a cruise, including how the body is transported home and where it is stored, check out this post:

Cruise Ship Deaths: What Happens Next? Step by Step Process Guide

To Conclude:

Many people die each year on cruises although the exact number isn’t known. The majority die from natural causes or accidents but there are a few who are murdered or commit suicide. Death is inevitable with so many passengers cruising each year.

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Cruise ship to make stop in New London

NEW LONDON, CT (WFSB) - A cruise ship will dock in New London this week.

It’s not the first time the Whaling City has been a cruise stop, but it certainly doesn’t happen every day.

The Thames River is used to visitors. Plenty of ferries, and sometimes even submarines.

On land it’s just as busy. Union Station is hopping and there’s plenty of folks on the roads.

This is the time of year New London and the shoreline gets real popular.

“It’s a little slow on a rainy day like this,” said Barbara Neff, New London Dockmaster.

The 100 passenger American Eagle will make its way to City Pier.

“Even if people are going on to other destinations like the casino or Mystic it’s great for downtown,” said Patrick Day of New London.

The ship will dock there and stay for a little more than a day.

Passengers will explore New London and Mystic and be greeted with a goody bag.

The bag is full of local info and coupons, encouraging people to shop local.

“This is my first experience seeing the cruise come to New London while owning a business,” said David Preka, owner of Muddy Waters Café. “I do think people will come back to New London, come back to southeastern CT, I mean what’s better than this view.”

New London has had cruise ships visit before. The last time was in 2022.

Now the city is working with American Cruise Lines to make New London a regular destination.

“We’ve had passengers before say that they were in New York and where a little overwhelmed. They enjoy New London. It’s a walkable city. They can walk to a museum, walk to a restaurant,” Neff said.

New London is the halfway point of the cruise. It’s an eight-day journey from Boston to New York.

The stop is the first of eight this year in the Whaling City, as New London works to make its piers home to more than just ferries.

“That’s the goal that they would come in all summer long,” said Neff.

The cruise ship docks at City Pier. It will depart around midnight Thursday into Friday.

Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.

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