Experts say missing teen who jumped off cruise ship into ‘shark infested’ waters likely suffered concussion
Topics: US News
Jess Hardiman
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Drew Sutton/WBRZ
Topics: US News
Experts believe Cameron Robbins - the teenager who went missing after jumping off a boat in the Bahamas - may have suffered a concussion.
Robbins, 18, was celebrating his high school graduation with friends on a sunset cruise on 24 May when he went overboard – allegedly for a dare – into shark-infested waters at around 9.40pm.
Despite the best efforts of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, with the assistance of the US Coast Guard Southeast and Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the search for the teen was called off three days later.
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After being presumed dead, his family held a memorial service for him on Sunday (4 June), with parents William and Shari, saying they are ‘mourning’ their ‘funny and kind-hearted son’.
Earlier this week, sea rescue experts said they don’t believe Robbins came into contact with sharks, with Brian Trascher, vice president and spokesperson for the United Cajun Navy - which has worked alongside Cameron’s family during the rescue efforts - saying: “We’ve consulted with oceanography and fisheries experts.
“They don’t believe … that he came in contact with any type of shark or predatory marine life.
“And until we get better video or something more conclusive, that’s going to be our position.”
Now there is also a theory that he may have got concussion when he jumped overboard.
Jim Spears, a swim safety expert, told Inside Edition: “When he jumped into the water, he could have hit his head on the boat, he could have hit his head on the water - like slapping the water with his head - either way, it could cause dizziness or confusion.”
United Cajun Navy volunteer Ryan Thrasher, who was part of the search for Robbins, said rescuers didn’t believe he was eaten by sharks because he didn’t seem to be in distress.
Speaking about the moment Robbins started swimming away from the life ring, he also told Inside Edition: “He didn't jolt, he didn't lunge."
In the wake of the incident, a GoFundMe was set up for the Robbins family, with the description saying the money was for ‘anything’ they might need.
“Cameron's mother, Shari is an indescribably amazing teacher and her kindness and devotion has helped countless children throughout her career,” it said.
“Please donate as you can and share this fundraiser to support her and her family through this unimaginable situation.”
After being set up on 26 May, the fundraiser has far surpassed its $10,000 target, having drawn in $20,715 in donations at the time of writing.