Unsettling TikTok Shows Why It's Important To Not Get Too Close To A Docked Cruise Ship

When you think of cruise-related dangers, you might imagine dozens of people catching the same stomach bug or cruise ship passengers going overboard. However, not all mishaps happen on the boat. Some hazards of cruise vacations are actually found once you step off the ship and onto the docks. Maybe it's due to a case of mal de débarquement syndrome (a rare, neurological illness marked by illusions of movement), or perhaps it's because they had a few too many drinks, but regardless of the reason, some people make the mistake of wandering too close to docked cruise ships. The result, as can be seen in a scary TikTok posted by avid cruiser @dutchworld_americangirl, is that they fall into the water and risk suffering serious injuries.

@dutchworld_americangirl

Someone fell overboard on carnival celebration. Watch the ENTIRE VIDEO! We had a very fun mom and daughter day. #overboard #carnivalcelebration #felloverboard #weliveonacruiseship #dayinmylife #livingonacruiseship

♬ original sound – 🚢 I LIVE on a SHIP 🇳🇱🇺🇸

The TikToker shared a clip of rescuers attempting to pull a person out of the water, just between a dock and a moored ship. In the end, the passenger was brought to safety, but the incident demonstrates why you should always stay away from docked cruise ships. "See this red line?" @dutchworld_americangirl says in the video, pointing to a line on the concrete dock. "Make sure you don't go over it because there is that dip where it goes straight down to the water."

It's unclear how old the passenger in @dutchworld_americangirl's video was, but another incident reported by Milan newspaper Corriere Della Sera involved an eight-year-old boy in Salerno, Italy. The child, vacationing with his family, slipped off the edge of a dock and fell into the water next to a ship. He struggled in the water, and his father dove in to try to save him. Eventually, volunteer rescuers arrived on the scene and pulled both the boy and his father out of the water and back onto the dock.

Though there are plenty of family-friendly cruise lines perfect for kids, ship docks aren't always made with little ones in mind. Children may be vulnerable to accidents, especially if they aren't aware of the gap between the dock and the ship. Review safety protocols with your children before disembarking, reminding them to never get close to the ship. For kids too young to understand, be sure to hold hands or keep them in a stroller until you're far from the water.

Booking private shore excursions and port activities are among the most exciting parts of cruise trips. With that said, if you hope to take a dip in the ocean while your ship is docked, make sure to do it far from the pier. Just as you could injure yourself by falling into the water next to a docked ship, you could also get hurt by willingly swimming in the waters surrounding the vessel.

If the ship makes any sudden or unexpected movements, the current could be enough to throw you into the dock or other nearby structures. You could also get sucked into the water under the ship, putting your life at risk. In some marinas and docking spaces, there's also the possibility of suffering electrocution and electric shock drowning, which can quickly turn a fun day of swimming into a tragedy.

Always look for posted signs before entering the water in an area with boats and ships. If you're not sure which places at the port are safe for swimmers, consult with a staff member from your cruise. Booking an organized shore excursion for swimming or water sports is another way to ensure you avoid off-limits areas.