Coast Guard Transfers Passenger from Icon of the Seas near Florida Keys: Incident on 13 June 2024

On 13 June 2024, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas made an unscheduled deviation from its planned course near the Florida Keys to facilitate the transfer of a passenger to a U.S. Coast Guard vessel. The ship paused approximately 5–10 kilometres off the coast to rendezvous with the Coast Guard cutter Interceptor II. The passenger was transferred safely, and the vessel resumed its original itinerary with minimal impact on the voyage schedule.

The reason for the passenger transfer was not officially disclosed. An eyewitness reported observing the transfer and noted no visible injuries on the passenger.

While en route to CocoCay, Bahamas, Icon of the Seas adjusted its course towards the Florida Keys to meet the Coast Guard ship Interceptor II. The transfer was conducted smoothly, with coordination between the cruise ship and the Coast Guard ensuring a swift and safe operation. Following the transfer, the Captain announced that the ship would resume its original itinerary.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported; eyewitness observed no visible injuries on the transferred passenger.

Rescued

• One passenger safely transferred to U.S. Coast Guard vessel Interceptor II.

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Interceptor II responded to the incident. The Coast Guard and Icon of the Seas coordinated the transfer operation, which was completed without disruption to the vessel's voyage.

Icon of the Seas resumed its original 7-day Western Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary following the transfer, with minimal impact on the cruise schedule.