The passing of a passenger on the Carnival Dream this week has brought renewed attention to safety protocols andinvestigative procedures aboard cruise vessels.
While hundreds of cruise ship deathshappen annually, which equates to about one fatality per 150,000 guests, as reported by Emma Cruises.
Why It Matters
As cruise vacations draw in tens of millions each year, there is a renewed focus on the data regarding the chances of passing away on a cruise ship.
The FBI confirmed toMathHotels.comIt was “aware of an incident that took place near July 23, 2025, aboard the Carnival Dream cruise ship.” Efforts are currently underway in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the cruise company concerning the passing of a 48-year-old man from Texas.
What To Know
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently looking into the passing of Euvelester Villarreal Jr., a 48-year-old man from Rio Grande City, Texas.
Carnival Cruise told Fox26 Houston stated that the FBI investigation is a routine procedure for all fatalities occurring at sea and does not inherently suggest any suspicious activity.
It is common for the FBI to examine fatalities that happen aboard cruise ships. This standard procedure promotes openness,” Carnival stated in a release. “It doesn’t necessarily mean there are any suspicious elements, and the details of this case don’t indicate any such involvement. We offer our deepest condolences to the guest’s family and those close to them during this challenging period.”
Nevertheless, the passing has raised broader concerns about your likelihood of perishing at sea and the overall procedures in place if a death occurs aboard a cruise ship.
Around 200 fatalities on cruise ships are reported annually by Emma Cruises, although this figure may not be fully accurate because of inconsistent reporting rules in different countries.
In 2019, there were 30 million travelers, resulting in roughly one fatality for every 150,000 guests, or an average of three to four deaths per week.
The majority of deaths occur naturally, often due to heart attacks or unexpected health crises. That said, incidents such as accidents, self-harm, and uncommon acts of violence also play a role in the overall count.
Besides medical incidents, the cruise industry documented 48 reported crimes, ranging from sexual assaults to severe physical harm, brought to the FBI between January and March 2025. This marked a significant increase compared to previous years before the pandemic.
Notable cases, like the 1998 disappearance of Amy Bradley from Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, keep fueling public curiosity about how cruise companies and officials handle events that occur on board.
A study conducted by John Foy & Associates Personal Injury Law found that Carnival Cruise Line had the highest number of fatalities from 2000 to 2019, although this might be partly due to its status as one of the most widely used cruise lines.
Although 29 percent of documented passenger fatalities happened aboard Carnival vessels, 12 percent occurred on Royal Caribbean’s ships, and 10 percent were reported on Norwegian cruises.
What People Are Saying
A representative from the FBI statedMathHotels.comin a statement:I can confirm that the FBI Houston office is aware of an incident that took place around July 23, 2025, aboard the Carnival Dream cruise ship. An FBI Maritime Liaison Agent, stationed at the Texas City Resident Agency, is working with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the cruise line concerning this matter. As the investigation is still in progress, I cannot share more information at this moment.
Carnival Cruise toldMathHotels.comin a statement: “The internal inquiry by Carnival concluded that the guest passed away due to natural causes. Additionally, the Galveston medical examiner’s office reported no evidence of injury. While we will rely on the FBI’s investigation, it is worth mentioning that it is typical for the FBI to examine fatalities that happen aboard cruise ships. We offer our deepest condolences to the guest’s family and friends during this challenging period.
What Happens Next
As the FBI, in collaboration with U.S. maritime authorities, keeps examining the death on the Carnival Dream, additional information could come to light. Cruise companies will also have to deal with regulatory requirements and public attention following notable incidents.
Travelers are reminded to familiarize themselves with safety protocols and confirm that they have adequate travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies that may arise.
Update 07/29/25 4:49 p.m. ET: This piece has been revised to include a statement from Carnival Cruise.
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