Australian man dead in Royal Caribbean Cruise Line tragedy
An Australian entrepreneur and father-of-two has died after going overboard on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that was bound for the US Virgin Islands.
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An Australian father-of-two has died after going overboard on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
Australian businessman Jon Pfahl, 37, died on a seven-day trip on the cruise company’s Symphony of the Sea ship.
The 6,680-passenger ship was travelling through the Eastern Caribbean from PortMiami when he went overboard.
A spokesman for the cruise ship operator confirmed his death today on the ship which was heading for Saint Thomas.
“Upon the initial report that an Australian adult male had gone overboard, our ship immediately turned, launched a rescue boat, and conducted a full-scale search,” the spokesman said.
“We are currently working closely with authorities and will continue to assist in their investigation.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones for their loss, and our care team is providing support and assistance during this difficult time.”
Friends left their tributes on social media, saying he had gone too soon.
One wrote on Facebook: “Absolutely stunned to hear that Jon Pfahl has tragically passed away. JP was a true rockstar and helped so many people get their businesses going … RIP my friend and thinking of your family at this time. You will be truly missed.”
The Official Yes Group in London, an organisation that supports people and their personal growth posted: “We are all saddened to hear about the loss of Jon Pfahl — Jonathan spoke on our stage in London, his enthusiasm to make a difference and take people on a journey was infectious. We will all miss him RIP Jon.”
Another wrote: “SO sad to hear that a true rockstar left us way too soon. Jon Pfahl, you helped change so many lives and left a real legacy behind.
“In your short time here, you made a real impact in my life & the lives thousands of young entrepreneurs in the UK. I will always remember you as an inspiration & role model.
“At the end of your time here, what you gave others is what really matters. #RIP #rockstarmentor”
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Rescue crews managed to recover his body after the ship immediately turned around after realising Mr Pfahl had gone overboard.
One passenger said they spotted search lights in the water between 3am and 4am.
But the Miami Heald reports the US Coast Guard said it won’t be investigating the death.
The ship is registered in the Bahamas, and the victim is not an American citizen.
The death also happened in international waters, making it unclear who might investigate how he died.
The Virgin Islands Consortium reports his body will remain on the ship until it returns to Miami on Saturday.
Mr Pfahl was on the cruise ship with his wife Lisa and their two children on holiday.
He grew up in Sydney but was now based in London, where he was the Managing Director of the Rockstar Group of Companies, which specialises in mentoring and invests in companies in the UK.
He previously worked at Goldman Sachs where his mentor set him a financial goal to achieve within six months. His website states he achieved that goal by the fourth month and by the ned of the six months, it was “44 per cent better than expected”.
“Whilst still only in his 30s, Jonathan is a driven and successful entrepreneur who is passionate about working with entrepreneurs who are determined to see their business grow,” it stated.
“He achieves the goals with his mentees by making them measurable and achievable, but at the same time, will have an immediate effect on the business.”
He went to Knox Grammar School and the University of Sydney.
Originally published as Australian man dead in Royal Caribbean Cruise Line tragedy