A Royal Caribbean passenger has been accused of jumping off a cruise ship in an apparent attempt to avoid paying off a $16,000 gambling debt.
Jey Gonzalez-Diaz, 23, was reportedly on the Rhapsody of the Seas as it was returning to the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sunday, just after 9AM, per CBS News.
According to authorities, Gonzalez-Diaz racked up $16,710 in gambling debt during his week-long vacation, most of which was accumulated at the ship’s casino.
Surveillance footage from the incident shows Gonzalez-Diaz jumping into the water as the ship was preparing to dock.
A jet ski rider quickly came to his aid, pulling him to shore while dragging another rider along in an inflatable boat.
Photos from the scene show the man clutching onto the jet ski to climb aboard, as the watercraft continued its journey toward the shore.
Despite his bold escape, he was apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents near the Puerto Rico Capitol Building about 45 minutes later.
He was found carrying $14,600 in cash, along with multiple identification documents, including a Tennessee ID, a U.S. passport, and a Social Security card - all under different names, including "Jeremy Diaz" and "Jeremy Omar Gonzalez-Diaz," per Daily Mail.
When questioned by officers about his real identity, Gonzalez-Diaz arrogantly replied: "If you guys were good at your job, you would know that," per the criminal complaint.
It was later confirmed that his true identity was Jey Gonzalez-Diaz and that his claim about the different names was related to his use of various identities.
The passenger claimed he jumped overboard because he was attempting to avoid reporting the currency he was carrying, fearing he would be taxed for the amount upon entry into the U.S.
Gonzalez-Diaz faces serious charges, including attempting to evade currency reporting requirements, which could lead to a fine of up to $250,000 or a maximum five-year prison sentence if convicted.
The incident has also drawn attention to his criminal history, as he was previously linked to a man with the same name who had been incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo since January.
Gonzalez-Diaz claimed this man was his brother.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Gonzalez-Diaz was released on bail, with local reports confirming his release as of Wednesday.