A portion of a water slide on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship abruptly shattered, injuring a passenger as shocked witnesses looked on, dramatic video shows.

The footage, posted on X Thursday, shows passengers aboard the Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, as gallons of water gush from a massive hole in the slide. An adult passenger was injured during the ride, cruise officials confirmed to Newsweek.

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

The passenger, who did not fall through the hole, remains in stable condition, sources told Newsweek.

The Icon of the Seas, which recently departed Miami on Saturday, is scheduled to return this weekend following a tour of the Caribbean. The 20-deck ship with more than 2,300 crew members can host up to 5,610 guests, according to its website.

The ship also boasts six “record-breaking slides” and largest waterpark at sea, another Royal Caribbean website shows.

“The storm of the century is brewing — and you’re in its path,” the website reads. “Brace yourself for Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides. Roaring thunder means the Frightening Bolt is close, and this drop waterslide is the tallest at sea. Once your stomach lurches, it’s too late. You’re caught in the Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall slide at sea.”

Footage of the incident posted online shows passengers frantically asking if the rider had fallen out. Other nearby guests can also be heard screaming as lifeguards blow whistles and begin to assess the situation, the footage shows.

Passenger Jim Muldoon, who shot the viral footage, said the injured guest did not fall through the hole.

“No nobody fell out the hole,” Muldoon wrote on X. “I cannot confirm injuries. I am hearing someone was but I do not have confirmation.”

Many of the ship’s 90 passengers transferred to Baltimore in the morning, and then on to Sherkin Island, the “island of the arts”, in the afternoon.

They enjoyed walking tours, focused on Baltimore’s maritime heritage, and tours of the Sherkin studios, before they got time to explore Baltimore and Sherkin for themselves, browsing crafts and enjoying some local food and drink.

Cork County Council staff were on hand on the day to greet passengers and crew, hand out maps and brochures, and provide guidance to ensure visitors enjoyed their visit to the area.

The Island Sky is a small but luxurious expedition cruise ship which left Dublin on August 5 on a 12-day ‘Wild Ireland’ tour.

It has almost 60 spacious and well-designed suites, all with a seating area and some with private balconies.

The cruise line company boasts how the feeling of luxury is enhanced on board by the wood panelling and brass, “conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht”.

She is cruising along the rugged Irish coastline, visiting the Skelligs, Galway, the Aran Islands, and Killybegs before passengers disembark in Liverpool.

The ship made the short journey along the coast to Bere Island on Friday, where passengers were tendered directly from the ship to the island for tours of the Lonehort Battery, the Martello Tower and Bere Island Heritage Centre.

They will finish off the day enjoying live music and a drink in Dessie’s Bar.

Councillor Caroline Cronin, Chairperson of the West Cork Municipal District, and officials from Cork County Council, were welcomed on board the vessel by the ship’s captain, where a formal gift exchange took place to mark the ship’s inaugural visit to Baltimore Harbour.

“I am delighted to be associated with this inaugural cruise call to Baltimore,” Ms Cronin said. “The passengers visiting Sherkin Island and the ship’s onward journey to Bere Island presents a welcome boost to our islands,” she said.

“Approximately 4,000 cruise passengers are expected to visit Cork County Council’s harbours in 2025, contributing to the local economy and supporting our tourism industry, while showcasing what makes County Cork so special to a growing number of international visitors.” 

The visit is part of a busy cruise season across the council’s ports and harbours, with inaugural calls at Youghal and Ballycotton among the record 25 cruise visits planned for 2025, with Schull, Kinsale, and Bere Island receiving repeat visits.