Unfortunately, the problem of passengers going overboard, especially those doing so on purpose, seems to be increasing. In 2005 a total of nine passengers and crew were reported to have gone overboard from cruise ships. Last year the total increased to thirteen, and so far this year seven passengers have been reported as having gone overboard. See our Man Overboard List for details.

While passengers jumping to their deaths from ships at sea is not a new phenomenon, jumping or falling after a night of heavy drinking appears to be a new trend. Of the seven incidents this year, five passengers have been recovered safely. All five of these appear to have gone overboard as a result of foolish behavior rather than from an attempt to end their life.

Up until now, very little has been done to punish those individuals who end up in the sea as a result of their lack of judgement but that may change soon. The cost of a rescue operation is significant both in terms of real dollars spent by the U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities participating in the rescue effort and those investigating the matter. It is also expensive for the cruise lines as these incidents often require itinerary adjustments and can result in a missed port.

Hopefully, this week's trend - of passengers NOT falling off of cruise ships - will continue and we will see fewer incidents over the second half of the year. But if the foolishness continues, look for the cruise lines to start exploring new ways deal with the issue. Tne National Park Service is contemplating a "rescue tax" to offset the cost of rescuing park visitors who get themselves into difficult situations. Is a "rescue tax" for cruise ship passengers part of our future?

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Originally posted by shipcafe:
Give it time .. the week is young. I'm sure some dumb, drunk American will want to be in the headlines and try something yet!

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:

Is it always an American? I recall a British girl jumping a while back.

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Check out the man-overboard list to the left here--there is a good percentage of non-US people listed.

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Originally posted by Linerrich:

Check out the man-overboard list to the left here--there is a good percentage of non-US people listed.

Rich

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Originally posted by Green:

True! - but keep in mind that Schools, Colleges and Universities have only just closed.........celebrating Grads have a whole summer and Fall/Autumn to get through!

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Originally posted by Sutho:
As mentioned above fining them seems the only option left.

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If you are stupid, desperate or drunk enough to jump off 14 decks of a mega-ship, I don't think a fine would dissuade you.

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:

Huh?

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

I don't think there is anything much cruise lines can do about it in the same way that you cannot stop people jumping under trains.

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

If you are stupid, desperate or drunk enough to jump off 14 decks of a mega-ship, I don't think a fine would dissuade you.

I don't think there is anything much cruise lines can do about it in the same way that you cannot stop people jumping under trains.

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making it part of the contract to charge them the search and rescue cost may not stop them, but at least the cruise lines and governments are not footing the bill for foolishness.

Back to topic committing suicide by jumping overboard would be the slowest worst possible death imaginable. most people who do it want a quick and easy way out.

I wonder if the fact people jump could be a psychological issue for them fuelled by alcohol?

Think about it there are many phobias about, these people may hate enclosed spaces and hate being isolated from society or being cooped up on a ship (even though theay are like mini cities) they may not be aware of their condition but when they drink they start to panic and want to escape the ship.

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Originally posted by Sutho:

I wonder if the fact people jump could be a psychological issue for them fuelled by alcohol?

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I agree. I believe there are a number of potentially suicidal people out there, but it's a subconscious thing, never really noticed or acknowledged. When you're looking over a railing at sea, watching the water rush by, especially at night, it can be almost hypnotic. It's not hard to imagine a voice inside someone's head saying "Jump!"

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Originally posted by Linerrich:
It's not hard to imagine a voice inside someone's head saying "Jump!"

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I find it hard to imagine.

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

I find it hard to imagine.

Even if I drink onboard a ship and look over the side at night, the voice in my head says "Don't jump or fall over or you will bloody well drown"

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Ahh, but then you're not potentially suicidal. People kill themselves every day; jumping off a bridge or a building, swerving their car into a tree or a tractor-trailer, etc. These are impulsive things, not necessarily planned out ahead of time.

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Originally posted by Linerrich:

It's not hard to imagine a voice inside someone's head saying "Jump!"

Rich

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:

That can actually happen to some people THEN add alcohol or drugs to that and you can get a 'jumper' or other type of risk taker. I see it at our house during parties. We have 2nd floor balcony that is a perfect jump to the pool below. Needless to say there are always a few friends who ask (usually while a little drunk) to take the leap.

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Living 19 floors up, I've several times considered tossing my computer!!!! never myself!

I'd say jumping takes desperation and much courage - a whole different ball game!

Over 20+ years, we've had six jumpers.....mostly due to terminal illness and /or acute depression. Regardless, it's a messy business! To my knowledge, alcohol, drugs have never been the cause leaving a 'close, caring 'neighbourhood'' feeling somewhat responsible!

Cruise ship jumpers are in another category.