Woman Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard on '80s-Themed Royal Caribbean Cruise

Created: JANUARY 05, 2025

Tragedy struck on an '80s-themed Royal Caribbean cruise near the Bahamas when a woman is believed to have fallen overboard on the first day of the voyage. The victim has been identified by family as 56-year-old Kimberly Burch, fiancée of Taime Downe, lead singer of the band "Faster Pussycat."

Downe reportedly contacted Burch's family to inform them of the incident, but her body has yet to be recovered. Disturbingly, passengers had enjoyed a performance by Downe's band less than 90 minutes before the incident, according to a social media post by passenger Casey Markee.

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas cruise ship docked in Miami

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the event, stating that a search and rescue operation was immediately launched in collaboration with local authorities. The company expressed support for Burch's family but declined to provide further details out of respect for their privacy.

The seven-day cruise departed from Miami on March 2nd, promising a nostalgic experience filled with '80s music, style, and culture, featuring over 50 concerts and live performances. The ship was approximately 20 miles from Freeport, Bahamas, when the incident occurred. The Royal Bahamas Defense Force is leading the investigation, with the U.S. Coast Guard providing support.

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship

The circumstances surrounding Burch's fall remain unclear. Markee's social media post indicated that boats were deployed in the search effort. Burch's family confirmed they have received minimal information and are devastated by the loss. They expressed frustration with the lack of communication from the cruise line regarding search efforts and details of the incident.

Beach scene in Nassau, The Bahamas

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