Blurry videos appear to show the moment missing Louisiana teenager Cameron Robbins jumped from the cruise ship he was on.
According to authorities from the Bahamas and internet sleuths, the young man may have ended up in shark-infested waters.
Cameron Robbins missing after jumping off cruise
On May 24, Cameron Robbins was onboard the Blackbear’s Revenge sunset cruise with many students who had recently graduated from several local high schools.
Cameron Robbins graduated from University Laboratory School (U-High) in Baton Rouge three days before the horrific incident.
The 18-year-old and hundreds of students were on a celebratory trip to The Bahamas. It is believed that a person on the cruise dared Cameron Robbins to leap into the ocean, and he did.
The teen went overboard at 11.30 p.m. and landed in the dark waters off Athol Island. Authorities are investigating the report that he acted on a dangerous dare.
Videos appear to show sharks near Cameron Robbins
Multiple videos showed the moment Cameron Robbins jumped into the sea. People could be heard screaming and going into full panic mode after witnessing the scene.
Others cried for someone to help the young man or to throw him a lifesaver. A classmate could be heard begging Cameron Robbins to grab a buoy, but instead, he appeared to swim away from the ship.
Internet investigators analyzed the footage and pointed to moving objects or creatures in the water.
Many believe Cameron Robbins had no choice but to swim for his life because one or many sharks attacked him.
Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) Commodore Raymond King confirmed to the Daily Mail that the area where Robbins went overboard is “really shark-infested.”
However, Brian Trascher, a spokesperson for the United Cajun Navy, told Fox News that the videos he saw needed to be more conclusive.
The expert stated: “We definitely don’t have anything conclusive enough to determine if Cameron Robbins came in contact with any marine life. We are consulting with professors at the LSU Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences for expertise.”
Coast Guard’s latest update on Robbins
RBDF Commodore King gave a last update on Monday, saying that it is highly unlikely that Cameron Robbins survived because he was not wearing a life vest when he jumped in the water.
King also believes the student had consumed alcohol on the party cruise.
He revealed: “The probability of survival decreases significantly, particularly if a person did not have on a life vest and particularly if a person is perceived to be intoxicated. It is so unfortunate, but I don’t want the family to lose hope.”
In a statement, the Coast Guard confirmed they called off the search. They stated: “We offer our sincerest condolences to Cameron Robbins’ family and friends.”
Tributes pour in for Robbins
Cameron Robbins is remembered by schoolmates and officials on Instagram and Reddit.
Kevin George, the director of Lab School, did a brief interview with WBRZ to reveal that Robbins is a terrific athlete with a bright smile.
He said: “He’s been here throughout his entire educational career. He’s an athlete, a great kid, a great smile, and a great head of hair. Just one of the kids you’re so proud of when they cross the stage.”
U-High baseball coach Justin Morgan is heartbroken by the strategy added: “Cameron is a kid who is truly loved by his teammates, teachers, and fellow classmates. He is a fierce competitor on the baseball field. He is a hard worker both on and off the playing field. Our school community is struggling right now but hoping for the very best. Our thoughts and prayers have been and will remain with the Robbins family during this difficult time.”
Family issues statement
Cameron Robbins’s family has issued a devastating statement to thank the authorities and to ask for privacy during this difficult time.
The Robbins family said: “The Bahamas government has called off the rescue for Cameron, and we are returning to Baton Rouge. We want to thank the Bahamas government, the US Coast Guard, the United Cajun Navy, and Congressman Garret Graves for everything they have done for us. In this time of grief, we thank our family, friends, and well-wishers for granting us the privacy we need to properly remember our son and mourn his loss.”
The family has not yet announced the date of the funeral.
