MIAMI – A 20-year-old cruise passenger plunged to his death Monday morning after climbing the forward mast of a ship in Miami.
The man, who was traveling on the Carnival Ecstasy, fell the equivalent of two decks, about 20 feet, and crashed onto the deck, said Jennifer de la Cruz, Carnival Cruise vice president of public relations.
The ship had just arrived back in Miami from a Caribbean itinerary, de la Cruz said.
The mast is part of a “restricted area” and there are signs warning passengers not to enter, she said.
No foul play is suspected, according to Miami-Dade police.
“Everything points to it being an accident,” said Miami-Dade police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta.
The cruise liners’ medical team tended to the man before Miami and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived. The man was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center where he later died.
Miami-Dade’s Homicide Bureau is investigating.
The name of the victim has not yet been released.
The Carnival Ecstasy cruises to and from the Bahamas and the Caribbean and fits 2,056 guests, according to the company’s website. The cruise liner is 855 feet long and has an onboard crew of 920.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time,” de la Cruz said.
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