What Happens When A Cruise Ship Passenger Jumps Overboard On Purpose?

It may not be that easy to fall off a cruise ship, but it does happen — we've seen the headlines. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), there are about 19 incidents on average of cruise passengers going overboard each year, and less than half of these people are usually rescued. However, cruise ships are carefully designed to minimize the chances of someone accidentally falling in the drink. But what if someone jumps overboard on purpose?

You may be wondering why someone would deliberately leap from a massive cruise ship — anyone who does could die, either from impact, drowning, or hypothermia. But from jumping to save someone to drunken shenanigans, people have their reasons, and the majority of overboard cases are intentional. For example, in September 2025, a man named Jey Gonzalez-Diaz allegedly jumped off a Royal Caribbean ship near San Juan, Puerto Rico, not because of a dare but to avoid a gambling debt of around $16,700. He also said he didn't want to report his $14,600 in cash at customs. He was later rescued and promptly arrested.

When someone goes overboard on a cruise, the first thing the captain will do is stop the ship. The crew will get in contact with nearby coastguard authorities, and rescue boats will be sent out to look for the person. In the hopeful event they are located and rescued, they may face legal action if it's determined they jumped on purpose. But the more likely outcome for someone who jumps from a cruise ship is that they simply won't survive.

One secret code word you should be horrified to hear on a cruise ship is "code Oscar," which means someone has gone overboard. Jumping from or falling off the ship is extremely dangerous, and the chances of survival plummet from the moment a person's feet leave the deck. The impact alone can break bones or kill someone, and the water's temperature can send them into shock. It's also difficult to spot someone in the ocean. That's why experts say if you ever see anyone go overboard, you should immediately throw them a life buoy, which not only helps them float but also makes them easier to see.

People who jump overboard may do it to get out of paying a debt, like in the case of Jey Gonzalez-Diaz, or to avoid legal trouble. But in reality, jumping may land you in even more legal trouble — that is, if you even survive. Investigations often follow, especially when it's believed to be intentional or due to foul play. Depending on where it happens, the FBI or local law enforcement from the nearest port may get involved, and the passenger may face criminal charges. For example, a man who jumped from a cruise ship off the coast of Japan in 2024 was arrested and charged with "illegal landing," which is essentially not following the proper immigration protocols.

Beyond the physical and legal risks, jumping overboard can traumatize cruise passengers and staff. Cruise lines typically have counseling resources on board for anyone struggling with a "man overboard" incident. And, in the unlikely scenario that a jumper survives and avoids legal consequences, you can safely bet they won't ever be welcome on the cruise line again.