A Royal Caribbean cruise ship passenger fell overboard to his death in the Virgin Islands on Wednesday morning.
The man's body was recovered by crew members, who carried out a full-scale search, while the Symphony of the Seas was travelling from St Kitts to St Thomas.
A statement from Royal Caribbean Cruises said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on the Symphony of the Seas en route to Saint Thomas this morning.
Advert
The statement continued: "Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones for their loss, and our care team is providing support and assistance during this difficult time. Upon the initial report that an Australian adult male had gone overboard, our ship immediately turned, launched a rescue boat, and conducted a full-scale search.
"We are working closely with authorities and will continue to assist in their investigation."
According to the Mirror, the body was recovered in front of horrified holidaymakers after a rescue boat was dispatched in a desperate bid to save the man who fell between 3am and 5am in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Royal Caribbean said it was working closely with authorities and will continue to assist in the ongoing investigation
Advert
On Christmas Day 2018, cruise ship entertainer Arron Hough fell overboard on a Royal Caribbean vessel, named Harmony Of The Seas, which was travelling to Philipsburg, St Maarten.
A search was carried out but it was suspended two days later, according to the Chronicle Live.
The family went on to set up a GoFundMe page in his memory following the disappearance and they are now taking comfort from helping others from the funds raised.
The GoFundMe page was created by Andrea Squires, who wrote: "I wanted to do something to help the family in any way possible, and knowing how difficult the coming days, weeks and months will be for them, I don't want them to have to worry about money. It will ultimately be down to the family what to do with any funds raised, but I just want to ease a very heavy burden somewhat."
Advert
In response to Andrea's gesture, the family made a statement saying: "Saying thank you hardly seems enough.
We as a family have been humbled by all your generosity. Arron is love, all our love. Dance was his love.
"The money kindly donated by you all will be used to set up a Trust Fund in Arron's name. This will enable others who haven't got a lot to apply to the fund for help to achieve their dreams.
"Your donations will allow my beautiful son Arron's love of dance to continue. So even if you tap your feet clap your hands or even sway, remember Dance is love and love is Arron."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: World News, News