The death of a 52-year-old American woman aboard a Princess Cruises ship is being investigated as a possible murder, according to local news reports in the Caribbean.
The woman fell from an upper deck onto a lifeboat aboard the 3,600-passenger Royal Princess near Aruba.
News reports in Aruba said it was the result of a struggle with a man seen choking her and claim law enforcement officials are investigating it as a possible murder.
Crime scene investigators boarded the ship when it docked in Aruba, according to a passenger post on an online cruise forum.
No passengers were allowed off the ship until they had secured the scene, which was described as ‘gruesome’ by another passenger.
Reports say the incident may have been captured on CCTV which is being reviewed by investigators.
The Royal Princess is on a week-long cruise in the Southern Caribbean.
A statement from Princess Cruises said the incident was reported to the FBI and local authorities and the local authorities met and boarded the ship upon arrival in Aruba.
"We are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities, including the FBI. An official cause of death has not been announced," it said.
"We are deeply saddened by this incident and offer our sincere condolences to the family and those affected."
