URGENT UPDATE: A Royal Caribbean passenger, identified as Jey Gonzalez-Diaz, faces federal charges after allegedly jumping overboard to evade a staggering $16,700 gambling debt. The incident unfolded on September 7 at approximately 9:15 AM as the Rhapsody of the Seas docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
According to CBS News, surveillance footage captured Gonzalez-Diaz leaping into the water while passengers disembarked during a routine inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A quick-thinking passerby on a jet ski rescued him and brought him to shore, where CBP officers discovered him near the iconic Puerto Rico Capitol Building.
Authorities found Gonzalez-Diaz in possession of $14,600 in cash, two mobile phones, and five different identification cards. He reportedly told officers in Spanish that he jumped to avoid declaring his cash, fearing it would be taxed upon entering the U.S.
Investigators revealed that Gonzalez-Diaz’s debt to Royal Caribbean was primarily linked to casino and gaming expenses. Court documents indicate he provided inconsistent names during questioning, with the cruise line’s records showing he booked the trip under the name Jeremy Diaz.
Local outlet Wapa.TV reports that Gonzalez-Diaz has since been released on bail. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a hefty fine of $250,000, or both.
This bizarre incident raises questions about gambling practices on cruise ships and the lengths to which individuals might go to escape financial obligations. As legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on Gonzalez-Diaz and the implications of his audacious attempt to avoid his debts.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.