The cruise line says a woman died after apparently going over the balcony of her stateroom aboard the Carnival Firenze early Monday morning near Catalina Island. The death is under investigation, and the woman’s name and age have not been released.
Julie Leonardi, senior public relations manager for the cruise line, said Carnival confirmed the death of a guest who “apparently went over the balcony of her stateroom early Monday morning and landed on a deck below. ” Leonardi said the guest was traveling with family, who alerted the ship’s crew. The ship was on a cruise from Catalina to Ensenada, Mexico.
Investigation underway on board and ashore
Law enforcement was on board while the ship was in Catalina Island on Monday to collect information, Leonardi said. A spokesperson for the FBI said the bureau did respond to the ship and was investigating the reported death.
The circumstances remain unclear. The cruise line said the family is off the ship and back home, and that its Care Team is supporting them. It also remains unclear whether there was any family dispute the night the woman fell.
Passengers said the fall was reported around 2 a. m. Monday, which would place it within the first few hours of the trip. They also said the ship left Long Beach on Sunday night several hours behind schedule.
Passenger reaction to the cruise line response
Some people aboard the ship said they had not received an official message about what happened. Passenger Kelly Duhs said the situation was deeply upsetting. “We hear about this happening. We never think that we’re going to be on the ship, ” Duhs said. “It’s very disturbing and sad. ”
Duhs also said some older passengers were anxious because they did not know what happened. “Was she thrown over the side? Did she accidentally fall over the side? Did something criminal happen?” she said, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the case.
What happens next
The Carnival Firenze, an approximately 1, 000-foot ship, is set to return to Long Beach on Thursday. For now, the investigation continues, and the cruise line has not publicly identified the woman or explained how she ended up over the balcony.
