Passengers Who Witnessed Woman Jump From Ship Reportedly Want Compensation

Passengers on the Carnival Valor cruise ship are reportedly asking for compensation after a women jumped overboard.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 16, when an unidentified passenger was said to have jumped overboard following a dispute with security.

According to TMZ, passengers who were present at the time are asking for compensation.

Rhonda Turner was reportedly on the ship with her husband and two children when the incident occurred. The family rushed over to where a large number of passengers had gathered.

Turner said that the scene was 'horrifying' and recalled that she saw the woman bobbing in the water, as per TMZ.

The mother added that the incident left her and her family reeling, with her two children 'bewildered and upset'.

TMZ have also reported that Turner claims that Carnival Valor should pay compensation in the form of credit for another cruise, if leu of financial compensation.

While details about the series of events leading up to the woman jumping overboard are still unclear, passengers have described an altercation that happened between the missing woman and security.

Kim Barnette, a passenger on the ship, said, 'Security got her out of the hot tub. Whenever they got to take her into custody, apparently she was upset and went over the rail. And, that was at about 2.30 [sic].'

The US Coast Guard launched a search, with footage being shared to Twitter showing rescue efforts.

In the video, a life ring can be seen in the ocean next to a red flare, while someone in the background of the video says, 'How often do they find people who jump off cruise ships, never?'

The Twitter user who shared the clip then followed up the status by saying, 'Just a follow up when someone goes over and drowns in the depths of the ocean while on a cruise ship the party/activities don’t stop.'

After searching 2,514 square nautical miles near where the incident took place, the rescue efforts were called off at 5.57pm on Thursday, February 17.

Chief Warrant Officer Tricia Eldredge said, 'The decision to suspend a search-and-rescue case is never one we come to lightly.

'We offer our deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time.'

The ship was heading to New Orleans from Mexico, with the cruise ship company issuing a statement to say, 'Carnival’s Care team is providing support to the guest’s husband who was travelling with her.'

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