Teen jumped overboard for a dare on cruise in Bahamas
A teenager has gone missing after he reportedly jumped overboard for a dare while on a cruise in the Bahamas.
Cameron Robbins, 18, from Louisiana, was celebrating his recent high school graduation on a sunset cruise on Wednesday (24 May) when he went overboard.
A large scale search was triggered and has been called off as of early Saturday morning (27 May).
Robbins graduated from University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge on Sunday last week and was on a trip to the Bahamas with fellow students from several local high schools, reported the station WAFB.
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The teens were staying at Atlantis Paradise Island resort in Nassau. On Wednesday evening, only four hours after their arrival, Robbins and his friends attended a sunset party cruise.
According to witnesses, at around 9.40pm, the 18-year-old plunged off the boat and into the ocean near Athol Island after apparently being dared to do so.
The teen was last seen splashing a few feet from the Pirate-themed boat in dark waters before vanishing from view.
The boat remained in the area for several hours as crew members tried to find Robbins.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, with the assistance of the US Coast Guard Southeast, searched for Robbins with no success.
Early on Saturday morning, the US Coast Guard announced via Twitter that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force called off search efforts and would not need any further assistance.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to Cameron Robbins’ family and friends,” the tweet continued.
It is unclear what led to the suspension of the search efforts.
University Laboratory School said in a statement: "The University Lab School Community is praying for the best possible outcome of this situation.
“I have been in touch with Cameron’s family and at this time, authorities are still searching for him in the Bahamas.
“In times like these, we must come together and support each other. Words fall short of expressing the worry our entire school community is feeling.
“Extra counsellors will be available on campus to speak with students and faculty who are struggling to process this news.
“Our thoughts are with the Robbins family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts as well.”
Pictures on Robbins’ social media show he is a keen baseball player and was described as a ‘fierce competitor’ by his coach.
The school’s baseball coach Justin Morgan said: “Cameron is a kid who is truly loved by his teammates, teachers, and fellow classmates.
“He is a fierce competitor on the baseball field. He is a hard worker both on and off of the playing field.
“Our school community is struggling right now but hoping for the very best.
“Our thoughts and prayers have been and will remain with the Robbins family during this difficult time.”
Gregory Robinson