You are sitting back on a cruise ship over a wonderful sunset, the rocking waves lulling the vessel as you sip your favorite cocktail. Suddenly—chaos! That's it. All of a sudden, word spreads like fire. A someone Jumped Overboard Cruise Ship ! Now, luxury cruising generally tends to be a peaceful affair for the most part, but sometimes incidents like these make such a vacation frenzy of pleasure turn chaotic.
What Happens in case somebody jumps off?
First, one must realize that jumping or even falling into the water off a cruise ship is not like one would do in the swimming pool. The speed of the vessel, the height from the deck, and the distance from the water are such that this can be considered a near-certain killer.
Immediate Response
And when a guest or member of the crew is reported missing or seen jumping off a cruise ship, then the following tends to happen:
Alert Activated: The crew members alert others and activate the alarm system, and usually, sound their horn. Most modern cruise ships are actually equipped with state-of-the-art detection systems which can catch the very act of someone going overboard.
Man Overboard Protocol Engaged Immediately after a man overboard is spotted, the ship quickly reacts, performing the so-called "Williamson Turn," where the ship turns around and comes back toward where the person last saw it to search for that particular individual.
Search and Rescue The ships and crew prepare all the necessary lifeboats and flotation devices and communicate with the coast guards and local teams surrounding that area to conduct a thorough search at sea.
The search for the person should be carried out speedily since survival is based on various factors such as water temperature, sea conditions, and the state of the person's physical condition.
Why do people jump overboard?
Believe it or not, people over cruise shipboard happens more than you think it does. Though not very common, it is always tragic. There are a number of reasons why drastic step might be taken as goes from accidental falls to deliberate movements.
1. Accidents Happen
Sometimes, it's that simple: someone loses their balance. With passengers leaning too far over railings or doing dumb things after one too many cocktails, the risk of falling is suddenly very real.
2. Suicide Attempts
Unfortunately, some overboard incidents are attempts at suicide. Sometimes, a cruise may be a place where some individuals, struggling with inner turmoil, find themselves isolated or overwhelmed.
3. Criminal Activity
There have been cases where a member of a crew was overboard due to foul play. Such cases are scarce; however, it does prove that overboard cases are not always black or white.
Survival Chances: What's the Odds?
Falling from a cruise ship is extremely hazardous for quite a number of reasons. First, the fall itself is dangerous. Most cruise ships are built with decks significantly towering above the water by at least 50-60 feet. It's like falling on concrete at high speed!
Furthermore, the ship will take some time to hit reverse, move back and get back to where the person is from the speed of the ship. Add those powerful ocean currents, darkness if the accident occurs at night, and the usually cold temperatures of open waters, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Survival Factors
Water Temperature: Hypothermia quickly, especially in colder waters.
Weather and Sea Conditions: High waves blur vision and are challenging for rescue.
Physical Condition of the Person: Chances are higher for good swimmers; however, exhaustion and panic can set in very soon.
One of the most publicized overboard cases is that of Amy Lynn Bradley, who disappeared at age 23 while on a Caribbean cruise in 1998. She was never found, and many believe she was a victim of foul play; others think she merely fell overboard.
A Lucky Rescue
Another case is that of a man who survived almost 18 hours after falling from a cruise ship off the coast of Florida. It was just by miracle that he was found alive by a nearby ship. Survival like this tells you that while the odds might be slim, survival is not impossible.
Action procedure-on-board response to Persons overboard.
If you get to see a passenger jumping off from the boat or accidentally falling off, then it just becomes a case of life and death depending on how you react.
Alert the Crew Immediately: Notify the nearest crew member or press one of the many emergency buttons across the ship.
Time is critical!
Don't Jump After Them: As much as you would want to, never jump into the water to rescue someone. Just make sure to keep your eye on the person and throw him a flotation device if possible
Stay Calm: Panicking will never make matters any better. You can just rely on the fact that the people on the ship are indeed trained to do whatever it takes to save the person.
Conclusion
A cruise holiday should be fun, relaxing, and adventurous. Yes, the story of someone jumping off a cruise ship can shock one sometimes, but they are few and far between. However, whatever the reason at the back of their head, whether accidental or mental health, every case of someone overboard serves as a sobering reminder of the power of the ocean.
The next time you're having a great time on deck, remember to keep yourself safe, your fellow travelers in sight, and respect the safety measure in place. And so, with the right precautions, your cruise will indeed be smooth sailing!
