Royal Caribbean Passenger Arrested After Jumping Overboard to Avoid Reporting $16,000 Debt

What Happened on the Cruise Ship?

The Incident in San Juan

On September 7, 2025, during disembarkation at the Port of San Juan, Jey Gonzalez-Diaz allegedly leapt off Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas at around 9:15 a.m. local time.
The ship had just returned from a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise that began on August 31, with stops including Barbados, according to CruiseMapper.

Rescue and Arrest

After jumping into the water, Gonzalez-Diaz was rescued by two passersby on jet skis who brought him to shore, as shown in surveillance footage.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers apprehended him near the Puerto Rico Capitol Building shortly after, around 9:45 a.m.

Cash and False Identity

When detained, Gonzalez-Diaz was found carrying $14,600 in cash, two cell phones, a handbag, and five different identification documents, some under the name “Jeremy Diaz.”
He had booked his cruise under the name Jeremy Diaz, which he later claimed was his brother’s name. Records showed a Jeremy Omar Gonzalez-Diaz was already in federal prison for drug trafficking and weapons charges since January 2025.

Why Did He Jump Overboard?

Avoiding Currency Reporting

Gonzalez-Diaz told CBP officers he jumped off the ship because he believed he would be taxed on the $14,600 in cash he was carrying, according to the criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.
U.S. law requires travelers to report any cash or monetary instruments over $10,000 when entering the country, a rule he allegedly tried to evade.

Escaping a Gambling Debt

Royal Caribbean reported that Gonzalez-Diaz owed the cruise line $16,710.24, primarily from casino and gaming expenses incurred during the cruise.
His attempt to flee by jumping overboard was reportedly motivated by a desire to avoid paying this debt, which added to his legal troubles.

Federal Charges

Gonzalez-Diaz faces a federal charge for failing to report the transport of more than $10,000 in cash from outside the U.S., which could lead to up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
CBP seized the $14,600 as part of an administrative action, and he has been released on bail while awaiting further court proceedings.

The Bigger Picture

Cruise Line Response

Royal Caribbean Group stated, “As this is an ongoing investigation, we are working with authorities and don’t have any more information to share.”
The cruise line is likely to ban Gonzalez-Diaz from future sailings due to its strict policies against fraudulent activity and reckless behavior, such as jumping overboard.

Identity Fraud Concerns

The discovery of multiple IDs, including those under “Jeremy Diaz” and “Jey Xander Omar Gonzalez Diaz,” raises questions about identity fraud. Gonzalez-Diaz’s claim that Jeremy Diaz is his brother, who is incarcerated, is under investigation.
His refusal to cooperate with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, including his comment, “If you guys were good at your job, you would know that,” has added intrigue to the case.

Safety and Security on Cruise Ships

This incident highlights the strict security measures on cruise ships, including surveillance cameras that captured the jump and the rapid response from CBP and HSI.
While rare, overboard incidents often involve intentional acts, as accidental falls are unlikely due to high railings designed to prevent such events, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.

Why This Matters

Impact on Cruise Industry

The case underscores the risks of onboard gambling, which can lead to significant debts for passengers. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer casinos as a major attraction, but incidents like this may prompt stricter oversight.
The publicity around Gonzalez-Diaz’s actions could affect how cruise lines manage passenger debts and enforce payment policies.

Legal and Financial Consequences

Gonzalez-Diaz’s attempt to evade both a gambling debt and currency reporting laws has led to serious legal repercussions, serving as a warning to others about the consequences of such actions.
The seizure of his $14,600 and potential prison time highlight the strict enforcement of U.S. customs regulations.

Public and Media Attention

The dramatic nature of jumping overboard to avoid debts has captured media attention, with outlets like CBS News, Fox Business, and People reporting on the story.
Social media discussions have focused on cruise ship safety, gambling addiction, and the ethics of using a false identity to board a cruise.

What’s Next?

Court Proceedings: Gonzalez-Diaz’s case will move forward in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, with potential penalties including jail time and fines.

Cruise Line Policies: Royal Caribbean may review its casino credit and passenger screening processes to prevent similar incidents, especially involving identity fraud.

Public Awareness: The case may raise awareness about gambling addiction, with resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) available for those struggling.

Conclusion

Jey Gonzalez-Diaz’s alleged jump from the Rhapsody of the Seas to avoid reporting $14,600 in cash and a $16,710.24 gambling debt has sparked a high-profile legal case. His arrest by CBP, combined with the discovery of multiple IDs and a false booking name, highlights issues of fraud, debt, and cruise ship security. As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of trying to evade financial and legal responsibilities. The incident also prompts questions about how cruise lines manage onboard gambling and passenger safety, making it a story to watch in the coming months.