A cruise passenger received an unscheduled swim on Sunday, 16th November 2025, after slipping from the pier beside Norwegian Encore during the ship’s unexpected call to Nassau.
Norwegian Encore had originally been due to spend the day at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island.
Rough seas made tendering unsafe, forcing the 4,000-guest ship to divert to the Bahamian capital instead.
While guests were returning to the vessel that afternoon, a man lost his footing and fell into the water between the pier and the ship – a narrow but hazardous gap occupied by floating rubber fenders.
Videos shared on social media show the man clinging to a life ring as onlookers shouted for assistance. Within moments, crew members arrived with a ladder and pulled him from the water.
There are no reports of injury, and it remains unclear whether the man was a guest, crew member, or port worker.
Witnesses told local media they believed he either slipped from the dock or missed his step while approaching the gangway.
Why Falls From Piers Happen More Easily Than You Think
Although piers may appear safe, the space between a dock and a cruise ship can be surprisingly dangerous.
Cruise ships never sit flush against the pier, as direct contact would damage both the hull and the dock. Instead, large rubber bumpers float between the two structures.
Gaps between these bumpers can be several feet wide – more than enough space for an adult to slip through.
Gangways have railings, but the very start or end of the ramp is typically positioned above these gaps.
A brief lapse in attention, such as checking a mobile phone or misjudging a step, can be all it takes.
The good news is that the same rubber bumpers that protect the ship also create a buffer, reducing the risk of being crushed, provided the person stays afloat and calm. The greater danger is for anyone who cannot swim or panics, as they may drift beneath the pier or hull.
Other Recent Pier Incidents
Falls from cruise docks are rare but not unheard of:
- August 2025: A guest on the preview sailing of Star of the Seas walked backwards while filming the ship and stepped straight off the pier.
- June 2025: A person in Juneau, Alaska deliberately jumped from the dock – apparently attempting to film a viral stunt.
Slippery surfaces, uneven wooden planks, high winds, and simple distraction are the most common causes of pier mishaps.
A Reminder For Cruise Travellers
While this latest incident ended without injury, it serves as a reminder for guests to take extra care when walking along piers, avoid distractions near the water’s edge, and use gangways cautiously.
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