Cameron Robbins’ parents break silence over loss of teen who jumped off party boat in Bahamas
The parents of an 18-year-old high school senior who fell overboard on a sunset cruise in the Bahamas have broken their silence.
Cameron Robbins traveled to the Bahamas to celebrate his graduation from the University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and several friends were aboard the Blackbeard’s Revenge cruise on May 24 when Cameron allegedly jumped off the boat in a dare.
The US Coast Guard and Royal Bahamas Defense Force searched for Cameron for several days before ceasing their efforts on May 27. A memorial service for the teenager was scheduled for Sunday (June 4) following his presumed death.
Before the service, Cameron’s parents William and Shari Robbins, both 54, spoke from their home The New York Post They were aware of the impact their “funny and kindhearted” son was having on people after being informed of the tragic incident that was believed to have cut short his life.
“We are mourning the loss of our son right now,” Ms Robbins said post. “We look forward to your call. Maybe we can talk more later.”
“We appreciate everyone’s support,” said Mr. Robbins.
University Lab School principal Kevin George said WAFB that Cameron had attended the school for 13 years. The teenager also played baseball for the school, which is part of Louisiana State University.
“Words are not enough to express the concern our entire school community feels. Additional advisors will be available on campus to speak to students and faculty who are struggling to process this news. Our thoughts are with the Robbins family and we ask that you keep them in mind as well,” Mr George wrote.
The graduation trip was not organized by the school.
Cameron Robbins, 18, a Baton Rouge senior, is missing after falling off a boat in the Bahamas
(Robbins Family Handout/WBRZ)
According to his obituary, Cameron was not only an accomplished athlete, but also loved country music and was a “big star” at karaoke.
“He was a tough player recovering from multiple injuries and was known to come through severed shoulders and broken hands. He hoped to continue his college-level baseball career,” the tribute reads. “…Although he left this world far too early, he lived a life full of good friends and family.”
In a statement provided the independent, Jonathan Chia, a representative of Pirates’ Revenge Ltd, Blackbeard’s Revenge’s parent company, said Cameron fell overboard at around 9:40pm local time in Montagu Bay off Athol Island in the Bahamas.
In a video captured shortly after Cameron’s jump into the water, the 18-year-old could be seen swimming around the ship as sunset cruise passengers yelled at him. In the recordings, individuals can be heard urging Cameron to hold on to the buoy they threw in the water for him.
“The crew followed the man overboard protocol in accordance with all approved safety procedures and company policies to ensure the best chance of recovering a person overboard,” said Mr. Chia.
After searching more than 325 square miles, Coast Guard crews joined the Royal Bahamas Defense Force in completing their efforts on May 27. Although the search has ended, the US Coast Guard is asking anyone with new information to contact District Seven Guards at 305-415-6800.
A GoFundMe was created to help Cameron’s family deal with the aftermath of the difficult situation.
Meanwhile, speculation has circulated around the internet that Cameron may have been attacked by a shark in the water.
