In a tragic incident, a male passenger has died after jumping overboard from the Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. The ship had set sail from Florida on Sunday for a seven-day cruise around the Caribbean.

According to the New York Post, the passenger, who remains unidentified, leaped from the 20-deck high ship, prompting a swift response from the crew. The Coast Guard was called in to assist in the search and rescue operation.

The cruise ship's crew immediately launched a rescue boat, successfully locating and retrieving the man. However, despite their efforts, he was pronounced deceased. The Coast Guard confirmed their limited involvement, stating that their role was primarily focused on assisting in the search.

At the time of the incident, the Icon of the Seas was approximately 300 miles away from PortMiami, and about 30 to 40 miles north of Santa Lucia, Cuba. The cruise was in the morning hours when the tragedy occurred.

Royal Caribbean, the operator of the Icon of the Seas, released a statement expressing their condolences. They notified the Coast Guard and initiated the search and rescue operation. The company's care team is providing support to the loved ones of the deceased passenger.

The cruise ship, which can accommodate over 5,000 guests, had just commenced its voyage on Saturday. However, following the incident, the ship halted for approximately two hours to aid in the search efforts.

CruiseMapper tracking data indicates that the Icon of the Seas is expected to reach the port of Costa Maya, Mexico by noon on Tuesday.

This unfortunate event follows a similar tragedy on another Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the Liberty of the Seas, where a 20-year-old man named Levion Parker went overboard during a trip around the Bahamas. Despite extensive search and rescue efforts, Parker was not found.

Although Royal Caribbean has experienced other incidents at sea, some with successful rescues, the privacy of the deceased passenger and their family is being respected, and no further details have been shared.

The Independent has reached out to Royal Caribbean for comment on the incident.