Nearly a week after a harrowing leap off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the father of the missing 20-year-old passenger clings to hope, believing his son is still alive amidst the Bahamian waters.
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Francel Parker, father of the absent Levion Parker, remains steadfast in his belief, describing his son as a “master diver” and insisting his prayers will bring him back.
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Despite the US Coast Guard halting its search, Francel holds onto faith and refuses to accept the worst.
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Allegedly, Levion plunged from the 18-story Liberty of the Seas in a late-night incident, leaving his family and witnesses stunned.
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Contrary to earlier reports of a heated argument, Francel denies any altercation with his son, painting Levion as a skilled diver and hardworking individual.
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He questions how his underage son managed to access alcohol onboard, emphasizing their family’s abstinence from drinking.
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Eyewitness accounts from fellow passengers shed light on the moments leading to Levion’s dramatic leap.
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Bryan Sims recalls a tense exchange between father and son, culminating in Levion’s impulsive act before their eyes.
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The chaos that ensued following the jump left passengers in shock, with one witness describing the scene as “frantic.”
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Francel’s desperate attempts to save his son by throwing life rings off the ship highlight the anguish of a parent facing such a nightmare.
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Royal Caribbean’s swift response and coordination with the Coast Guard underscore the gravity of the situation.
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However, statistics reveal a grim reality of overboard incidents in the cruise industry, with hundreds of cases documented over the years.
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Despite varying rescue efforts among cruise lines, the odds of survival remain slim for those who find themselves overboard.
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As the search for Levion continues, the Parker family’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking at sea.