**FBI Investigating Passenger Death Aboard Carnival Horizon Cruise Ship**
The FBI’s Miami office is investigating after a passenger died while traveling on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship, officials confirmed Saturday. Carnival Cruise Line stated it is cooperating fully with federal authorities in the investigation. No additional details about the passenger or the circumstances surrounding the death have been released at this time.
### Why It Matters
While deaths aboard cruise ships are rare given the sheer number of passengers, they do raise important questions about passenger safety, emergency protocols, and the procedures cruise lines follow when incidents occur.
According to Emma Cruises, co-founder of The Cruise Globe, approximately 200 cruise ship deaths occur each year. However, this number is likely underreported due to limited reporting requirements across international jurisdictions. With 30 million passengers setting sail in 2019 alone, this translates to about one death per 150,000 guests—or an average of three to four deaths weekly.
Most deaths at sea are natural, often resulting from heart attacks or other medical emergencies. However, accidents, suicides, and rare cases of violence also contribute to the overall toll.
### Crime Reports at Sea
Beyond medical events, the cruise industry recorded 48 alleged crimes—including sexual assaults and serious bodily injuries—reported to the FBI between January and March 2025. This figure is considerably higher than pre-pandemic years, highlighting ongoing concerns about security and passenger safety on board.
### Details of the Recent Incident
FBI Miami spokesperson James Marshall told the Associated Press that agents responded to the scene, but he provided no further information.
The Carnival Horizon is one of the major vessels in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, accommodating up to 3,960 guests and primarily operating Caribbean sailings. The ship returned to PortMiami as scheduled on Saturday morning, where Miami authorities initiated their investigation upon the ship’s arrival.
In a previous case from July, the FBI also responded to a death on a Carnival cruise, emphasizing that their involvement is standard protocol for all deaths that occur at sea and does not necessarily indicate suspicious circumstances.
### Official Statement from Carnival Cruise Line
A Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson said:
> “The ship returned to PortMiami as planned on Saturday morning, Nov. 8. Since this is an ongoing matter under the jurisdiction of law enforcement, all media inquiries need to be directed to the FBI’s Miami public affairs office. Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI.”
### What Happens Next?
The FBI, in conjunction with U.S. maritime agencies, will continue to investigate the Carnival Horizon passenger’s death. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
*Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.*
https://www.newsweek.com/death-on-carnival-cruise-ship-sparks-fbi-investigation-11016860