Lacking Cruise Passenger in Bonaire Does “Not Wish to be Discovered or Contacted”, Report States

The thriller surrounding a Carnival Horizon cruise passenger who by no means got here again to her cruise ship earlier than the vessel left port final week has taken a brand new flip. Authorities now imagine the girl is just not lacking however has chosen to remain in Bonaire and desires to left alone.

Preliminary Disappearance

Jessica Collins, 47, was a passenger on Carnival Horizon throughout its port cease in Kralendijk, Bonaire, on September 17. 

She was final seen leaving the ship carrying a grey backpack, carrying a shirt with “unrecognizable figures” and lightweight blue shorts.  When she did not re-board, a full-scale search was launched by native police, coast guard, and volunteers.

Preliminary information reviews described her as a lacking particular person, stating that she was touring alone and had taken her identification paperwork together with her, however left her baggage behind. 

Police launched safety digicam photos and requested the general public for assist in discovering her.

On-line Hypothesis and the Reality

Because the search went on, on-line hypothesis began stirring that the lacking lady was the identical Jessica Leigh Collins who has publicly claimed to be a sufferer within the Jeffrey Epstein case.

This unverified connection was fueled by a social media submit from a pal of Jessica Leigh Collins, which added to the thriller and guessing recreation surrounding the disappearance.

Nonetheless, Carnival Cruise Line has now clarified that Collins took deliberate actions to remain in Bonaire.

In a press release, the cruise line revealed that she emptied her stateroom, left a money tip for her attendant, and despatched a textual content message to a member of the Carnival Care Crew. Within the message, she reportedly acknowledged that she was protected and didn’t wish to be discovered or contacted once more.

“Whereas we’re cooperating with native authorities, this visitor seems to have taken deliberate motion to be alone and on her personal,” the cruise line acknowledged.

The case has modified from a lacking particular person investigation to a case of deliberate alternative.  So, the excellent news is that the girl is now not thought-about lacking.  However this does carry up some questions on skipping the ship on function.

Some cruise strains could difficulty hefty fines—typically as a lot as $900 to $1,000—and passengers who stroll away mid-cruise may even discover themselves banned from crusing with the corporate once more.

The cruise strains are required to observe strict guidelines and legal guidelines about passenger journey, so it’s not as easy or innocent as simply deciding to remain behind for an extended trip in port.

If somebody is considering attempting this, they should let the cruise line know and undergo correct procedures, however even then, penalties and bans are a threat.

Whereas selecting to not return to the ship and keep in a port whereas on a cruise is just not thought-about a authorized or suggested approach to immigrate, U.S. residents can keep in Bonaire for a restricted time and could possibly apply for a residence allow as soon as on the island.

Carnival Horizon was not delayed and has since returned to its homeport in Miami.