During a 4-night voyage to the Bahamas aboard RCI-Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, an altercation occurred involving passengers and a group of youths. The incident transpired on Thursday, April 17, while the vessel was at sea.
According to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, a male passenger and a female companion addressed a group of youths who were causing the elevator to sway by jumping. The youths responded with hostility. Upon reaching the eighth floor, the couple attempted to exit the elevator but were obstructed by the group. The male passenger pushed through and was subsequently assaulted outside the elevator, resulting in unconsciousness.
Upon the ship's return to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) on Friday, April 18, authorities arrested Michael White, 18, and another individual in connection with the incident.
White faces charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm. He was booked into Broward County Jail and released on a US$5,000 bond the following day.
For more Liberty OTS incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.