US passenger on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas dies in Roatan

Last week, a father of four, who was cruising on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, died in Roatan during a stopover at that port after falling into the water from a raised structure on a pier.

Edmund David Rucker, believed to be 52, was with his wife and family when the tragic accident occurred shortly thereafter fascination of the seas transported in Roatan, Honduras during a week-long cruise departing Galveston on March 12, 2023.

The accident happened on March 15 when Mr. Rucker jumped from a raised structure into the water below. The purpose of the platform is less than clear. The structure may have been formerly used to support a zip line that was abandoned years ago. It is currently unknown why the dangerous structure was still available for tourist use. Many other cruise passengers discussed on message boards that there were no warning signs.

Several people indicated that other accidents, including “several deaths in the same area,” had happened and that there should be warnings to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Mr. Rucker appeared to hit his head underwater. Local news reports indicate that he “suffered a severe blow to the head and was left unconscious as his body fell into the sea. His relatives noticed that he did not surface after a few minutes and alerted the authorities and others who were swimming on the beach.”

We were only made aware of the accident on the day of the accident by a guest fascination of the seas who explained that Mr. Rucker’s body was brought aboard the cruise ship Royal Caribbean just before the ship left Roatan.

Deaths in international waters while cruising are governed by the Death On the High Seas Act (DOSHA), which limits compensation to “net worth” damages suffered by dependent family members. Pain and suffering, sadness and sorrow and other emotional losses are not allowed under DOSHA.

A local Texas newspaper commented that Mr. Rucker, known as “Eddie”, was a beloved father of four and the loving husband of his wife Laura.

A “Go Fund Me” page was set up for the Rucker family. Please consider making a donation to this family.

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March 21, 2023 update: Newsweek reported on the accident: Cruise passenger dies after water jump goes awry

father of 4 of @Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas “A federal law known as the Death On the High Seas Act regulates deaths in international waters but limits damage to property damage suffered by the victim’s family members @CruiseLaw news noted.

— James (Jim) Walker (@CruiseLaw) March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023 update: The platform in question was apparently a popular spot for tourists. A photo we received from a cruise passenger who asked to remain anonymous shows people jumping off the platform into the water.

March 22, 2032 update: Newsweek updated its article today, highlighting Mr Rucker’s delayed and inadequate care.

Photo credit: Abandoned zip line (above) – Diary of the Aguan(below) – anonymous, family photo – Page Fund Me