The Icon of the Seas, the flagship of Royal Caribbean with just over a year in service, altered its schedule and returned to PortMiami this past Saturday after a passenger was injured due to the breaking of the acrylic glass on one of its water slides. The mishap occurred at the Category 6 water park, specifically on the vertical drop slide known as Frightening Bolt, according to reports from Local 10.
Witnesses captured videos in which onlookers can be heard screaming after the acrylic cracked on a curve of the slide, creating a hole while people were still inside. "When the other gentleman went down, it cut him... and then glass fell and the water came out," recounted passenger Lillian Destefano. "No one fell into the ocean. Thank God!" she added.
Royal Caribbean announced that the injured guest received immediate medical attention on board, and the slide has been shut down as an internal investigation is conducted. Although the company confirmed that the damage occurred in a section of acrylic glass, they did not specify the extent of the break or the severity of the injuries.
The Icon of the Seas returned to Miami ahead of schedule to ensure passenger safety and to facilitate a technical assessment of the slide. Royal Caribbean stated that while the rest of the aquatic attractions will remain operational, they will be under heightened supervision.
This marks the first significant incident reported on the Icon of the Seas' water attractions since its launch. Maritime authorities might get involved if the investigation reveals design or maintenance failures.
Water Slide Safety and Royal Caribbean's Response
What caused the return of the Icon of the Seas to Miami?
The cruise ship returned to Miami after a passenger was injured due to the breaking of the acrylic glass on one of its water slides, necessitating immediate medical attention and an internal investigation.
How did Royal Caribbean handle the incident?
Royal Caribbean provided immediate medical care to the injured passenger and closed the affected slide for investigation. The cruise line ensured the rest of the water attractions remained open with increased supervision.
Is this the first incident of its kind on the Icon of the Seas?
Yes, this is the first major incident reported on the water attractions of the Icon of the Seas since it began service.
Could maritime authorities get involved in the investigation?
If the investigation finds issues with design or maintenance, maritime authorities might intervene.