P&O death: Shane Dixon identified as family claims he was lured by high-roller incentives at on-board casino
The man who fell overboard a P&O cruise has been identified as the family breaks their silence claiming the cruise company lured the man to spend big with its high-roller incentives.
A family holiday turned into a nightmare as Shane Dixon, 50, fell overboard the P&O cruise ship Pacific Adventure off Sydney Heads.
The father-of-three, from Sydney, had been on a three-day Elvis-themed cruise with his family, including his mother Sue Dixon, 66, who had saved up to book the trip as a holiday for the pair.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Daily Mail has reported that the family of Mr Dixon claim he had been enticed by the ship’s casino, where he found himself caught in a web of high roller incentives, reportedly accruing a significant debt of $4000 during his time onboard.
“Mum said they were having fun, everything was good,” Mr Dixon’s brother Scott Dixon told the Daily Mail
“But the casino - they use all of these incentives to tell people, ‘Come back, come back.’”
Described as a hardworking truck driver, Mr Dixon’s financial struggles and personal losses weighed heavily on him as he sought a temporary escape on the cruise.
Gambling laws in Australia have strict governance over advertising and promotions. However, cruise ships can dodge regulations while in international waters.
The family claim Mr Dixon spent $5000 in the P&O ship’s casino while staff treated him to free drinks, gave him play vouchers and even issued him a ticket to a future cruise. He borrowed $5000 from his mother to repay the debt, before accruing an additional $4000 debt with the casino.
“His brain was probably going 100 miles an hour. He probably thought, ‘S***, I’ve done it again. I can’t afford it and I can’t ask mum for more money,’‘ Scott Dixon said.
A P&O spokesperson told the publication it would be inappropriate to comment on the tragic death of a guest while a coroner’s investigation is carried out.
“We have Responsible Conduct of Gaming Policies in place on all P&O ships and take those policies seriously,” the spokesperson said
“We are cooperating fully with the coroner’s investigation.”
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
