A recent incident aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has left passengers shaken and one injured. A water slide on the ship experienced a sudden malfunction when a glass panel shattered, causing water to gush out and panic to ensue among the guests.
The incident was captured in a dramatic video that showed the water slide spewing gallons of water from a large hole where the glass panel had been. The video also captured the terrified screams of the passengers below, pleading for the slide to be stopped.
Royal Caribbean confirmed that a male guest was injured during the incident at the waterpark. The cruise line did not disclose the nature or severity of the injuries, but stated that the guest received immediate medical attention.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean explained that the incident occurred when a piece of acrylic glass broke off the water slide as the guest was passing through. The guest is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
In response to the incident, the cruise line has closed the slide for the remainder of the trip while an investigation is conducted to determine what caused the malfunction.
The Icon of the Seas, which is currently the world’s largest cruise ship, departed from Miami on August 2. It is scheduled to return to port on Saturday after a tour of the Caribbean.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place on cruise ships, particularly on large vessels like the Icon of the Seas. As the investigation continues, passengers and the public will be looking for answers and reassurances about the safety of such amenities on cruise ships.