Cruise Passenger Jumps Overboard Over Gambling Debt

A Royal Caribbean guest on the Rhapsody of the Seas reportedly jumped overboard near the Port of San Juan to avoid repaying more than $16,000 in gambling debt and to evade U.S. customs reporting rules.

According to a federal complaint cited by CBS News, passenger Jey Gonzalez-Diaz now faces a felony charge for failing to declare currency upon reentry to the United States. The offense carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 31, as the ship was disembarking in San Juan. Surveillance footage shows Gonzalez-Diaz leaping into the water around 9:15 a.m., during the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection period, and being picked up by a person on a jet ski. Authorities later found him near Puerto Rico’s Capitol Building, carrying $14,600 in cash, two mobile phones, and five identification cards.

In statements to CBP officers, Gonzalez-Diaz said he jumped because he feared being taxed on the money he was carrying. Royal Caribbean reported that the guest had booked his voyage under the name Jeremy Diaz and owed exactly $16,710.24 to the cruise line for gambling losses incurred onboard.

The case highlights the strict monetary reporting requirements for travelers entering U.S. territory. All travelers must declare cash or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000 upon arrival. Gonzalez-Diaz has since been released on bail pending further legal proceedings.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/cruise