A Royal Caribbean ship turned around after a “physical” dispute broke out between passengers, officials have confirmed.
On Monday, Sept. 15, around 6:48 p.m. local time Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) personnel responded to PortMiami after reports of a “dispute” on the Wonder of the Seas cruise ship.
“According to investigators, a verbal dispute ensued between patrons, which became physical,” a representative for MDSO shared in a statement with PEOPLE. “At which time the captain of the ship decided to return to port and contact authorities.”
Officials said the ship returned to dock around 8:30 p.m. and deputies were standing by and immediately boarded the ship.
They added: “Both individuals were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.”
According to police, both passengers declined to press charges.
A representative for MDFR confirmed the transport and said four units arrived at the scene.
“Our team provided medical care to adult guests who were involved in an altercation onboard,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told PEOPLE. “We notified local authorities and are working closely with them.”
A witness on board told Local 10 they saw people running over to the pool area before the captain announced the ship’s return to port.
Following the incident, social media posts showed photos of emergency personnel responding to the scene. According to one user, about a dozen people were escorted off the ship.
The Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing a four day, round-trip Bahamas cruise, which departed on Monday, per CruiseMapper. The vessel is set to stop at Coco Cay — Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination — and Nassau before returning to Miami on Sept. 19.
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Earlier this year, a brawl broke out among Carnival cruise passengers that resulted in 24 people being placed on a “Do Not Sail” list.
The incident occurred on April 26 inside a cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, per USA Today. The Carnival Jubilee had just disembarked on a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise when the fight broke out.
“The incident occurred in the debarkation area under the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The matter was turned over to law enforcement,” a Carnival spokesperson shared in a statement with PEOPLE. “We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list.”
In a Facebook video captured by user Trelle Ray, a group of rowdy passengers crowd around what appears to be a baggage claim area. Dozens of suitcases are seen in the background as several people seemingly begin to chase another passenger to a different area.
The crowds broke through a barrier and knocked down signs during the chase before tackling a passenger to the ground. Then, they appear to start punching and kicking the person on the ground as another rushes out of the way.
2 Royal Caribbean Passengers Hospitalized After ‘Physical’ Dispute
