Random Weird Things You Didn't Know About Falling From A Cruise Ship (9 items)

(#9) Alcohol Is Often Involved

The same maritime attorney estimated that about 40% of cruise ship man-overboard incidents involve alcohol. This isn't too surprising, given the amount of booze on cruise ships.
(#6) It's Harder To Spot Someone In Choppy Seas

Spotting a person in the ocean is harder than you might think, and finding a person in rough seas is even more difficult because the water is so choppy. If you're going to fall off a cruise ship, your chances are better if the water is calm that day.
(#4) The Captain Might Think You're Still On The Ship

Even if you are reported missing, the ship might not turn around and go back for you right away. When Sarah Kirby fell off a Carnival cruise, her friend Rebecca tried to get the captain to turn around, but because Rebecca didn't actually see Sarah fall, the captain would not veer off course until it was certain that Sarah was no longer on board.

Sarah was eventually rescued after two hours in the water.
(#3) The Ship Might Not Notice That You're Gone

In 2015, a man fell off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and nobody noticed. He was picked up by a Carnival cruise ship that happened to be traveling along the same route. Technology that can detect when someone falls off a cruise ship is available, but cruise lines are not legally required to install it.
(#5) The Shock Of Cold Water Can End Your Life Almost Instantly

If you're on a cruise to the Bahamas, your chances of survival are much greater than if you're on a cruise in Alaska. If you fall into cold water, you could die almost instantly of cold shock response. The sudden icy coldness causes you to take an involuntary gasp, causing you to inhale seawater and drown.

Survival expert Mike Tipton said that 60% of deaths in cold seas occur in the first few minutes, well before a ship could spot and rescue you.

If you survive the initial shock, you still could die of hypothermia within only 30 minutes. To avoid hypothermia, you should keep your limbs as close to your body as you can, and exert as little energy as possible. "Try to stay still and float," Tipton advised. Curling up into the fetal position can help keep your body insulated and calm.

Of course, warm water has its fair share of problems, too - the warmer the water is, the more likely you are to encounter a shark.
(#8) Foul Play Is Common

Maritime attorney Jim Walker estimates that 50% of overboard incidents are "mysteries," and many of those cases involve foul play. "The most likely scenario we have seen are men throwing women overboard,” he said.