Sad result for cruise ship passengers in Honduras

A passenger aboard a recent Royal Caribbean International cruise has died after an unfortunate accident in Roatan, Honduras. The 52-year-old man had jumped into the water from a high dock and banged his head, leaving him unconscious, which ultimately resulted in his death in what should have been a happy spring break trip with his family.

Diving accident in Honduras

Mississippi native and Texas resident Eddie Rucker, his wife Laura and their four children were aboard Royal Caribbean fascination of the seas when the tragedy happened. The cruise had departed Galveston, Texas on Sunday March 12, 2023 for a 7 day cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Roatan, Honduras was the first planned port of call after initially spending two days at sea en route to the popular port of call.

In Roatan, Rucker climbed a wooden pier structure to jump into the water but apparently hit his head, rendering him unconscious. When he didn’t reappear after a few minutes, his family alerted the authorities.

Rescuers responded and attempted to revive Rucker, but to no avail and he was pronounced dead.

“Ashore in Roatan, Honduras, a guest sailing aboard Allure of the Seas sadly passed away. Royal Caribbean International is offering support and assistance to the guest’s family at this time.” a Royal Caribbean spokesman said in a statement about the incident to Newsweek.

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There is no indication that Rucker participated in a land tour at the time, nor is it clear if there is appropriate signage indicating whether visitors are permitted access to the structure from which Rucker jumped or not.

Other cruise travelers who have visited the same area have reported seeing people jump from the same structure many times. While the structure appears abandoned and unused today, it may once have been part of a zip line or similar attraction.

Visit of Honduras on board fascination of the seas

The Oasis class fascination of the seas Is based in Galveston through mid-October 2023. Departing from Texas, the 225,282 gt vessel will offer 7-day round-trip voyages to the Western Caribbean.

Each voyage first spends two days at sea, then visits Roatan, Honduras, and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico for three consecutive days. The last full day of each cruise is another day at sea before the ship returns to Galveston.

Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan is a very popular cruise destination visited not only by Royal Caribbean ships, but also by Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, TUI Cruises, P&O Cruises and other cruise lines. More than a million cruise guests visit Roatan each year.

The quintessential tropical destination, the island offers a Variety of amazing activities for visitors, including several beaches with snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boats and other water sports. Catamarans, nature tours, swimming with dolphins, and visiting a local monkey sanctuary are other popular tour options.

fascination of the seas will depart Galveston after the cruise on October 15, 2023. The ship will then transfer to Port Canaveral where she will offer a variety of 3 and 4 night Bahamas cruises, including stops in CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with Rucker’s family and friends, as well as the crew members of fascination of the seasat this very difficult time.