FBI to investigate death of 12-year-old boy who fell from balcony of Royal Caribbean cruise ship

The FBI will investigate the death of a boy who fell head-first over a balcony railing on a luxury cruise ship on Sunday.

The 12-year-old was playing with friends he had made on the cruise, which was travelling to Galveston in Texas, when he toppled over the railing of his family’s 14th-floor room.

He fell six decks below into the Central Park area of the ship — a plaza filled with bars, shops and restaurants.

Staff tried to save the boy but he died before the ship could dock and get help.

The FBI has now confirmed it will investigate the boy’s death, The Washington Post reported, as the “primary federal agency authorised to investigate potential crimes on the high seas”.

It will conduct its investigation alongside the US Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection.

The accident took place on the family’s last night of a seven-day cruise of the Caribbean on the 16-deck Harmony Of The Seas.

It’s understood the boy was on the cruise with his family, including two sisters, for a birthday celebration.

In the wake of the tragedy witnesses posted about the accident online, with many saying they were shaken up by what happened.

“I witnessed the incident with the 12yo boy that passed away, I stayed with him the entire time hoping to see any sign of life and to let him know he wasn’t alone when he passed,” one anonymous passenger posted on Facebook.

Another said she saw the incident unfold as they were looking down on Central Park from the pool deck.

“We did not see whether he jumped or was playing around,” Christa Schoolfield said.

The Royal Caribbean cruise ship is one of the world’s largest and can hold up to 7000 passengers.

It features multiple water slides, a zip-line, a surfing simulator and live entertainment shows.

Royal Caribbean said it was “deeply saddened” by the boy’s death.

“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time,” a spokesperson said.

“For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”