“It Just Broke!”: Icon of the Seas Waterslide Shatters with Guest Inside

A guest aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was injured after a waterslide panel shattered mid-ride, prompting an immediate closure of the popular attraction and an ongoing investigation by the cruise line.

The incident took place on the Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea, which starts on Deck 15 as part of the ship’s expansive Category 6 Waterpark.

According to Royal Caribbean, a piece of acrylic glass broke off while an adult guest was riding through the slide. The passenger sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention onboard. The extent of the injuries has not been disclosed.

Footage and firsthand accounts began circulating on social media, with a Reddit post claiming the rider suffered cuts to both legs and hands. The post also noted that the surrounding deck area was quickly shut down after the incident. Another guest, however, reported that the deck below the slide was empty at the time, and no additional injuries occurred.

Royal Caribbean confirmed in a statement to Cruise News Today:

“Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation.”

The Frightening Bolt features a nearly vertical drop and is made of a combination of yellow and orange flume sections, with a clear overhanging acrylic tube that gives riders a thrilling ocean view.

Despite being touted for its cutting-edge design when the ship launched, some online commenters have raised concerns about material durability and construction.

This incident is the latest in a string of headline-making events aboard Icon of the Seas this summer. The ship previously made news after a crew member allegedly stabbed a colleague before jumping overboard, and again when a guest fell from the infinity pool area.

Royal Caribbean has not shared when—or if—the Frightening Bolt slide will reopen. The investigation into the cause of the malfunction is ongoing.