Passenger 'sliced open' after waterslide on world's biggest cruise ship shatters
A Royal Caribbean passenger was reportedly 'sliced open' after a waterslide shattered on board.
The individual was travelling on the Icon of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, that had departed from Miami on 2 August and was due to return on 9 August.
On Thursday (7 August), however, a guest cut themselves on a broken panel of the waterslide, as footage captured by Jim Muldoon shows heaps of water escaping the tube.
In chilling footage, terrified passengers were heard shouting: "Stop the slide. Stop the slide."
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After the water flow was stopped, an image on social media showed a jagged hole cut out from one of the panels.
According to Cruise Hive, the ride was allegedly the 46ft tall Frightening Bolt Waterslide, known for its trapdoor launch and 360° loop.
Despite onlookers saying in the video that someone 'fell out' of the slide, the Daily Mail says that Royal Caribbean confirmed to them that no one fell through the hole.
It appears as if the injured guest cut himself on the hole instead, with passengers telling Cruise Hive that a male rider suffered 'skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands'.
Meanwhile, a passenger on the ship told Cruise Radio that 'the area below was empty' when the slide shattered and no one on the ground was hurt.
The injured guest is said to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, the Frightening Bolt slide is closed pending an investigation, while the surrounding area of deck 15 was also temporarily closed to passengers following the incident.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said in a statement that their medical team attended to the 'adult guest' on board.
"Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide," they said.
"The guest is being treated for his injuries.
"The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation."
It comes in a difficult few months for the Icon of the Seas, which has recently seen a passenger tumble out of an infinity pool and a crew member jump overboard to their deaths.
Waterslide mishaps on cruise ships are rare, with one of the more notable accidents taking place three years ago on a Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway-Plus ship.
A female passenger was stuck midway on the Ocean Loops slide until crew members rescued her through a safety hatch.
Well it's been over a year since the Icon of the Seas was launched, boasting space for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew. There's also over 2,800 cabins across 20 decks, with 40 dining and entertainment venues, along with the largest waterpark at sea.
The company says the 'Category 6' waterpark has six-record breaking slides, including the Frightening Bolt Waterslide.
"Roaring thunder means the Frightening Bolt is close, and this drop waterslide is the tallest at sea," their website reads.
"Once your stomach lurches, it’s too late. You’re caught in the Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall slide at sea.
"And if you’re still determined to charge in head-first, grab a friend and take on the first mat racing duo ever to sail, Storm Chasers."
They added: "Brace yourself for six record-breaking slides at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea.
"Let your adrenaline surge on a solo plunge, race a fellow daredevil or gather your crew for family raft waterslides that are anything but tame."
LADbible Group has contacted Royal Caribbean for additional comment.
Topics: Royal Caribbean, Cruise Ship, Travel, World News
Anish Vij