Royal Caribbean crew member stabs woman, dies after jumping overboard, police say

A Royal Caribbean crew member stabbed a fellow crew member on a cruise ship and then died after jumping overboard Thursday night, authorities said.

The incident occurred near the Bahamas off San Salvador Island, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Around 7:30 p.m. local time, a 35-year-old South African man allegedly stabbed a 28-year-old South African woman multiple times, police said.

The man fled the scene and jumped into the water. He was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead by onboard medical staff, police said. The woman suffered stab wounds to her upper body and was last reported to be in stable condition, police said.

"Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away," Royal Caribbean said in a statement to CBS News Friday. "We extend our condolences to the crew member's family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share."

Royal Caribbean did not identify the crew members involved or provide a possible motive in the stabbing. The name of the ship was not immediately provided. 

The incident remains under investigation, police said, and an autopsy has been scheduled.

• Death
• Cruise Ship
• Stabbing
• Royal Caribbean