Passenger Injured on Royal Caribbean’s Icon Ship Due to Water Slide Malfunction
A passenger aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was injured when an acrylic glass panel on the “Frightening Bolt” water slide shattered mid-ride on August 7, 2025. The incident occurred while the adult male passenger was using the slide, touted as the tallest drop slide at sea, towering at 46 feet.
Dramatic video footage captured by witnesses shows water gushing from a gaping hole in the slide as passengers screamed for staff to “stop the slide.” The injured passenger, estimated to be in his 40s, suffered skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands. He was promptly treated by the ship’s medical team and remains in stable condition.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the slide has been closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation. The cruise line is investigating whether the failure was due to:
- A manufacturing defect
- An installation issue
- An unexpected impact
This incident marks the third concerning event aboard the world’s largest cruise ship this year, following a deadly altercation between crew members in July.
Source: CBS Miami