What started as a routine cruise disembarkation turned into a daring escape when the passenger of Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas jumped overboard with a backpack full of cash.
The passenger, identified as Jey Xander Omar Gonzalez-Diaz, allegedly leapt from one of the world’s largest cruise ships while she was docked at the Port of San Juan last weekend. Two jet skiers passing by quickly rescued him and brought him to shore, where Customs and Border Protection officers discovered $14,600 in cash, along with multiple identification documents under different names in his backpack.
Authorities arrested the man, who now faces federal charges for failing to report monetary instruments over $10,000. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.
Gonzalez-Diaz did not provide a clear explanation for why he jumped overboard. When questioned, he reportedly told investigators that he did not report the cash because he feared being taxed on it.
Court documents reveal that Gonzalez-Diaz owed the cruise line more than $16,700, primarily related to casino and gaming expenses during the voyage.
Royal Caribbean has declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. The cruise had departed San Juan on August 31 for a week-long Southern Caribbean cruise and returned on September 7.
