Man jumps Ship to Avoid Gambling Debts – Literally
A man has tried to escape paying back his gambling debts by jumping off a cruise ship in the Caribbean. To his resentment, he was rescued and fined.
Cruise Ship Casinos are a great thing. Of course, losing spoils the fun.
A passenger identified as Jey Gonzalez-Diaz allegedly dove off Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas as the ship was disembarking in San Juan — because why queue to pay when you can make a cinematic exit?
Royal Caribbean told investigators the guest racked up roughly $16,710.24 — almost entirely at the casino. In other words: he tried to outswim a receipt.
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Jet-Ski Taxi to Nowhere
Security footage shows good Samaritans on jet skis scooping him from the water and ferrying him ashore, turning a moment of panic into a low-budget action scene. If there’s a frequent-rider program for that, nobody mentioned it.
When authorities caught up with him near the Puerto Rico Capitol, he allegedly had $14,600 in cash, two phones and five IDs. Spoiler: the cash was impressive — just not impressive enough to cover the bill.
Single Identities are Overrated
Several of the IDs bore other names, including one that matches a man already in federal custody. Either he’s allergic to real paperwork, or he binge-read spy novels between blackjack hands.
According to the complaint, he told officers he jumped because he didn’t want to declare the cash — worried about duties. Translation: he preferred a swim to filling out a customs form. Admirable priorities, questionable planning.
Federal prosecutors charged him with attempting to avoid monetary reporting requirements. If convicted, he could face up to five years behind bars and fines topping $250,000. That’s what you call an expensive change of address.
Man Jumps Ship – Lessons for Future Cruisers
- If you owe the casino, don’t audition for a Bond reboot.
- Jet-ski rescues are dramatic, but not legally binding.
- Always, always carry enough ID to check into a hotel — and enough sense to check out politely.
Cruises are for lounging, sunsets and maybe a cheeky game of blackjack — not for improvisational amphibious escapes. Still, give the man credit: he went all-in on theatrics. Shame the house always — always — gets the last laugh (and the bill).
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