Eighteen-year-old high school graduate Cameron Robbins was on a trip with friends in the Bahamas when he jumped off the cruise ship May 24 after what reports say was a dare. The US Coast Guard called off the search for Robbins days later, but he’s not been found, and in the days that followed, details of what may have happened paint a really scary picture. Now, Robbins’ parents speak out for the first time, breaking their silence in a heartbreaking statement.
Robbins, a recent high school graduate, was taking in a sunset cruise on Blackbeard’s Revenge with his friends near Athol Island, just northeast of Nassau.
According to witnesses, Robbins reportedly jumped off the ship into the water around 11:30 p.m. following a dare, WAFB reported.
Video footage of Robbins’ last moments was shared online.
In the footage of the last moments where Robbins was seen, someone aboard the ship can be heard shouting “This kid f—ing jumped off! Oh my f—ing God! Oh, shut the f— up! Oh, bye, bye!”
Haunting video footage shows the teenager swimming away from the ship and away from a rescue buoy as onlookers aboard the ship shout at him to grab the flotation device.
In the video, online viewers speculated that they could see flashes of what looks like sharks in the water where Robbins had jumped. People speculated that the teen was trying to get away from the creature in the water, which is why he appeared to swim away from a flotation device.
Seconds later, he disappeared under the water's surface.
A search for Robbins began, and his parents flew to the Bahamas to see if they could help.
The Coast Guard investigated and called a search for Robbins in 325-square miles around where the ship was when he jumped off.
Robbins’ family joined the searchers in the Bahamas before returning to the US when the Coast Guard called off the search and Robbins was presumed dead.
Now, his parents are speaking out for the first time, releasing a heartbreaking statement with their son's obituary.
The teen's parents, William and Shari Robbins, told the New York Post they felt the impact their “funny and kind-hearted” son made on people and that they appreciate all the support.
“We are just mourning our son right now,” Shari Robbins said via the newspaper. “We appreciate you calling. Maybe we will be able to talk more later.”
“We appreciate everyone’s support,” William Robbins added.
The family wrote a moving obituary for Robbins, which was shared online.
“Cameron Crossley Robbins was a beloved grandson, son, brother and friend. He was lost at sea after being reported missing off the coast of Athol Island in the Bahamas on the evening of May 24,” they wrote.
“Though he left this world far too soon, he lived a life full of good friends and family,” they continued. “He was funny and kind-hearted, but also intense and driven. He doted on his grandparents and he took pride in his work. He will be missed desperately by his family and friends, who will carry their cherished memories of him to eternity.”
A GoFundMe account account has been created to support the family. It's raised more than $19,000 thus far.
