The 18-year-old teen Cameron Robbins was declared missing when he jumped overboard from a cruise ship on May 24. He was on a graduation trip to the Bahamas with his friends when the mishap happened.
Robbins graduated on May 21, and the trip was supposed to be commemorative; however, it became the last trip of his life. Authorities from the University Laboratory School also added that the school did not sanction the trip.
Robbins had allegedly jumped overboard due to a dare. Witnesses said he plunged into the ocean around 9:40 pm when the boat was near Athol Island. He was last seen splashing in the waters just a few feet away from the boat before vanishing from view. A video taken right after he jumped showed him swimming while a life preserver floated in the water.
After others on the cruise were alerted of the situation, it stayed in the area for several hours as crew members tried to find Robbins.
The Coast Guard crews were assisting the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in searching for the missing teen. On May 26, aircrew also came to assist in the search. A few hours ago, another update stated that search and rescue assets were also deployed on request from the Bahamas Defence Force.
However, after searching for more than 48 hours, the mission has been called off. The Coast Guards were first notified at 9:55 pm on May 24, but the tumultuous weather also complicated the search at night.
The company that organized the trip, GradWeek, has also released a statement regarding the matter:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robbins Family during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for the Robbins family’s privacy, we feel it’s inappropriate to comment on the details surrounding the night of the incident. Bahamian Authorities have been conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and can provide the most accurate information once they have completed their investigation.”
Robbins’ high school has offered heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the teen. Robbins has attended the school for 13 years, and everyone seemed to have a good impression of him.
Director Kevin George commented, “He’s an athlete, great kid, great smile, great head of hair. Just one of the kids you’re so proud of when they cross the stage.”
Robbins’ family arrived in the Bahamas on Thursday, as a prayer vigil was held at the resort where the boy was staying. Another prayer circle was organized on the same day outside Baton Rouge school.
It must be one of the most challenging times in the lives of everyone related to Cameron, especially his family, who have just lost the ray of sunshine in their lives. Let’s send our prayers to everyone concerned with the case.