A 47-year-old American passenger, Jessica Collins, did not return to the Carnival Horizon cruise ship after a scheduled stop in Bonaire on September 17. Authorities from multiple agencies are investigating the disappearance, which Carnival Cruise Line suggests was a deliberate act by the guest.
Key Takeaways
- Jessica Collins, 47, failed to reboard the Carnival Horizon in Bonaire.
- She debarked with her belongings and left a thank-you note and cash gratuity for staff.
- Carnival Cruise Line stated Collins contacted a care team member, indicating she was safe and did not wish to be found.
- Local and U.S. authorities are cooperating in the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Underway in Bonaire
Local authorities in Bonaire initiated an investigation after Jessica Collins, an American national, did not return to the Carnival Horizon. The cruise ship was docked at the Caribbean island on September 17 as part of its itinerary. Collins was reported missing when the ship prepared to depart without her.
The Public Entity of Bonaire, the Port Authority, and Tourism Corporation Bonaire are collaborating with Carnival Cruise Line Security. The ship's security chief and other partners are also involved. This multi-agency effort aims to gather information regarding Collins' whereabouts.
Background Information
The Carnival Horizon is an eight-day Southern Caribbean cruise that departed from Miami on September 13. Its itinerary includes several Caribbean islands, with Bonaire being one of the planned stops. Cruise ships typically have strict schedules for passenger reboarding, and failure to return can trigger significant alert protocols.
Carnival Cruise Line's Statement on Departure
Carnival Cruise Line provided a statement regarding the passenger's actions. The company confirmed that Collins debarked the ship with her personal belongings. She carried a backpack and left a cash gratuity for her stateroom attendant, along with a thank-you note.
"She debarked with all her belongings in her backpack and left a cash gratuity for the stateroom attendant with a thank you note," Carnival Cruise Line stated.
Further details from Carnival indicate that Collins later communicated with a member of their Care Team. She reportedly stated she was safe and did not want to be located or contacted again. This communication suggests a deliberate decision on her part to leave the cruise and remain private.
Departure Details
- Date of Debarkation: September 17
- Location: Bonaire
- Passenger's Age: 47 years old
- Ship: Carnival Horizon
- Cruise Departure: Miami, September 13
Authorities Cooperate with U.S. Officials
The Dutch government released a statement, translated into English, confirming the collaboration between local authorities and international partners. They are in direct contact with Carnival Corporation and U.S. authorities. This coordination is standard practice when an American citizen goes missing abroad.
According to the press release, the investigation involves gathering all available information and following up on any potential leads. The goal is to ensure all necessary steps are taken to understand the circumstances of Collins' departure and current status.
Surveillance Footage and Personal Items
Surveillance images from the Carnival Horizon show Collins on board the ship before she exited. She was observed wearing a gray backpack, a short-sleeved button-down shirt, and shorts. These images confirm her appearance and the items she carried at the time of debarkation.
Bonaire authorities previously issued a statement on September 20. This statement indicated that Collins had her identification documents with her when she left the ship. However, she reportedly left some baggage and other personal items behind on the vessel. This detail adds to the complexity of understanding her intentions.
Public Assistance Requested
Bonaire authorities have asked for public assistance in this case. Anyone with information regarding Jessica Collins' whereabouts is encouraged to come forward. An anonymous tip line has been established to facilitate the reporting of any relevant details.
The request for public help highlights the ongoing efforts to resolve the situation. While Carnival Cruise Line's statement suggests a voluntary departure, authorities continue to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure all aspects are covered.
Impact on Cruise Operations
Incidents involving passengers not returning to a ship can cause delays and require significant resources from both the cruise line and local authorities. Cruise lines have protocols in place to manage such situations, including passenger counts and security checks before departure. The Carnival Horizon continued its journey after the incident in Bonaire.
The focus remains on the well-being of the missing passenger. The cooperation between the cruise line, local government, and U.S. authorities underscores the seriousness with which these situations are handled, even when initial information points to a voluntary action.
