Water slide malfunction on Royal Caribbean ship leaves vacationer hurt
Royal Caribbean’s latest vessel, the Icon of the Seas, experienced an unfortunate incident on a water slide, resulting in an adult passenger sustaining minor injuries. The guest was treated onboard, and their current condition is stable.
The incident took place on Thursday while the ship was en route from the US Virgin Islands to the Bahamas. The affected waterslide, the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt—the tallest drop slide at sea—has been closed for the remainder of the sailing.
According to reports, the malfunction happened near a stress point of the acrylic tubing in the slide, resulting in a hole with water leaking onto the deck. The broken acrylic glass panel injured the guest as they passed through it. It is important to note that the guest did not fall through the hole, and no one was beneath the slide when the incident occurred.
Royal Caribbean Group confirmed the incident and stated that their team provided medical care to the injured guest. The company also stated that the slide will remain closed pending investigation and repairs. Other waterslides on the vessel remain operational during the remainder of the sailing.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with officials yet to disclose the severity of the injuries suffered. The brand-new ship, Icon of the Seas, is the largest cruise ship globally, having entered service in January 2024.
It remains unclear if the investigation will result in any changes to the safety protocols of water slides on Royal Caribbean ships. The company is prioritizing safety and investigation outcomes before proceeding with any decisions regarding the slide's reopening or future sailing changes.
ABC News' Ayesha Ali contributed to the report about the water slide incident on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided.
- The malfunction on the Frightening Bolt waterslide, a feature on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, has raised concerns about health-and-wellness and general-news regarding the safety of similar attractions on cruise ships.
- The travel itinerary of the Icon of the Seas was affected when the health-and-wellness incident on one of its waterslides forced the closure of the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, impeding the lifestyle experiences offered onboard.
- The recent unforeseen accident on a waterslide of the Icon of the Seas, a symbol of science and engineering, has led to serious discussions in the marine and travel sectors about safety measures and protocols, especially in relation to water slide design and maintenance.
