In a dramatic turn of events, a cruise passenger found himself in deep waters—literally—after plunging overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas in Puerto Rico. The man, identified as Jey Xander Omar Gonzalez-Diaz, is now facing federal charges for an audacious escape attempt linked to a staggering $16,000 in gambling debts.

The incident unfolded when the ship docked in San Juan, where Gonzalez-Diaz, reportedly laden with cash, made the impulsive leap, allegedly trying to outrun his financial troubles. According to a criminal complaint filed by federal prosecutors, he was pulled from the water by passersby on jet skis and taken to shore.

Upon recovery, Customs and Border Patrol officers discovered Gonzalez-Diaz carrying a hefty sum of $14,600 in cash. The complaint reveals that he had accrued $16,710.24 in debts, primarily stemming from casino and gaming activities on board the ship.

In a curious twist, when questioned by investigators, Gonzalez-Diaz expressed his fear of being taxed on the amount he was carrying, which may have motivated his desperate leap. It raises eyebrows as to how deeply gambling can affect a person’s judgment.

While Royal Caribbean remains tight-lipped, stating they are cooperating with authorities, this shocking escapade sheds light on the high stakes that come with cruising—both on and off the decks of extravagant ships. The incident serves as a cautionary tale of gambling’s potential to spiral out of control.

As this story unfolds, many are left wondering: what drives someone to risk everything for a chance at fortune? Stay tuned for updates on this extraordinary case!