Cruise ship worker 'stabbed colleague' before jumping off ship to his death as details emerge

A cruise ship crew member allegedly stabbed one of his colleagues before jumping overboard to his death, according to Bahamian authorities.

The horrific turn of events was said to take place on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship on Thursday (24 July).

Just before 7.30pm, it was said that a South African man, 35, stabbed a South African woman, 38, onboard the Icon of the Seas cruise, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement to NBC News.

It was reported that the man had stabbed her multiple times on board the ship, which was in the waters off the coast of San Salvador Island in the Bahamas at the time of the alleged crime.

Police also claimed that the man fled the scene and jumped overboard.

The incident took place in Bahamian waters (Getty Stock Image)

Medical staff would find the man dead, as police confirmed that while the woman suffered stab wounds to her upper body, she is in stable condition.

The crew members involved have remained nameless, but in a statement to NBC News, Royal Caribbean said the incident was a 'personal dispute'.

The full statement read: "One of the crew members was injured, was attended to by the onboard medical team, and she is now in stable condition. Unfortunately, the other crew member is deceased after he went overboard and was recovered in a search and rescue operation."

The man's cause of death is currently unknown, with an autopsy set to take place.

This incident comes after the reported death of a crew member, who went overboard. After they fell overboard, crew dropped life preservers near where the man fell to help rescue him.

When this failed, a rescue boat was sent out, per WSVN, with the man's body being pulled from the waters.

Police reported that the man jumped to his death (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

In a statement to 7News Miami, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said: "Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away.

"We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share."

The ship was headed for Coco Cay in the Bahamas at the time of the incident, and pushed on with its planned itinerary after the episode.

It was further reported that the cruise would make its return to Miami, USA, on Saturday 26 July.

The Icon of the Seas cruise ship is the largest in the world, boasting 20 decks, with 18 for guests, and 2,350 international crew members.

At an eye-watering length of 1196 feet (364 metres) and with a width of 219 feet (66 metres), it's a luxurious option for those looking to take to the seas.

LADbible has reached out to Royal Caribbean Cruises and Royal Bahamas Police Force for comment.