Man Jumps Overboard in Puerto Rico After Casino Debt, Faces Serious Charges

San Juan, Puerto Rico – September 13, 2025 – A dramatic incident unfolded at the harbor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, when a man, identified as Jey Xander Omar Gonzalez-Diaz, jumped overboard from a cruise ship just as it was docking. The man’s desperate leap into the water came after he racked up a debt of nearly $17,000 (approximately 15,400 euros) at the onboard casino, according to reports from various American news outlets.

The incident quickly escalated when Gonzalez-Diaz, who had reportedly been trying to evade the authorities, was rescued from the water by bystanders. Onlookers, who were passing by on jetskis, managed to pull him out of the water and bring him to the dock. Once he was on land, Puerto Rican customs officers detained him, discovering that he was carrying a large sum of cash — $14,600 (about 12,410 euros) — on his person. This set the stage for the man’s involvement in a complex legal situation.

Failure to Declare More Than $10,000

According to local authorities, Gonzalez-Diaz is now facing charges for failing to declare the export of more than $10,000 (approximately 8,500 euros) in cash to the United States. U.S. law mandates that any amount exceeding $10,000 be reported to customs officials upon entering or leaving the country. The failure to do so can lead to significant legal consequences, including hefty fines or even imprisonment.

Gonzalez-Diaz’s decision to jump into the water and his subsequent actions have led to a full investigation by local law enforcement. His behavior caught the attention of many in the busy harbor, where passersby witnessed the unfolding drama.

An Unusual Explanation

During his interrogation, Gonzalez-Diaz provided an unusual explanation for his actions. Speaking in Spanish, he claimed that he did not want to declare the cash because he feared being taxed on the money. According to Gonzalez-Diaz, he believed that he would be subject to import duties on the cash, and thus, in his mind, jumping overboard was the only way to avoid this financial burden.

This reasoning was met with skepticism by law enforcement officials, as failing to declare over $10,000 is not a matter of taxation but a matter of legal compliance with U.S. customs regulations. Authorities have stated that while it is unclear if Gonzalez-Diaz’s actions were solely to avoid declaring the money, there may be a deeper connection to his significant casino debt, which remains part of the ongoing investigation.

A Cruise Line Responds

The cruise line company involved in the incident, Royal Caribbean, has been cautious in their public statements. A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of the cruise line, addressed the situation in a brief comment:

“As this is an ongoing investigation, we are cooperating with the authorities and cannot provide any further information at this time.”

This careful stance from the company reflects the sensitive nature of the investigation, which is currently being handled by local authorities in Puerto Rico. The cruise company is known for operating in the Caribbean and beyond, and incidents like this one are rare, but still a cause for concern within the tourism and cruise industries.

Possible Legal Repercussions

If Gonzalez-Diaz is found guilty of failing to declare the cash, he could face severe legal penalties. According to U.S. federal law, violating currency reporting requirements can result in a maximum prison sentence of five years or a fine up to $250,000 (around 223,000 euros). These penalties serve as a deterrent to individuals attempting to circumvent the legal processes in place to track large sums of money entering or leaving the U.S.

Gonzalez-Diaz’s attorney has yet to provide a statement or offer any defense to the media regarding the charges. However, the case is still in the early stages, and the legal process will determine whether the defendant faces the maximum penalty or if a lesser sentence is issued based on mitigating factors.

The Cruise Ship Incident in Context

The incident at San Juan Harbor is part of a series of bizarre events that have occurred on cruise ships recently. One such event, also in the news, involved a physical altercation between passengers on a cruise ship over an argument regarding chicken. While these incidents might seem isolated, they highlight the occasional tension and chaos that can occur on cruise ships, which typically offer a range of activities, from gambling and drinking to entertainment and relaxation.

Additionally, the cruise industry has come under scrutiny in the past for various legal and safety issues, including drug-related arrests and passenger disputes. In light of this, cruise lines have increasingly sought to improve their security measures to prevent incidents such as the one involving Gonzalez-Diaz.

Public Attention and Ongoing Investigation

The dramatic scene in San Juan Harbor has drawn significant attention, not only due to the unusual nature of the incident but also because of the potential implications it holds for the cruise industry and U.S. customs law. It has sparked widespread conversation among both travelers and law enforcement officials, with many questioning how better measures can be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As for Gonzalez-Diaz, he remains in custody while the authorities continue to investigate the full extent of his actions and connections to the casino debt. The public awaits further updates on whether he will face charges beyond the customs violation and how the case will be resolved in the coming months.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from failing to comply with customs regulations, especially in industries as high-profile as cruise travel. The case of Jey Xander Omar Gonzalez-Diaz has captured the attention of both the public and authorities, raising questions about accountability and the lengths some individuals will go to avoid their financial responsibilities.

As the investigation unfolds, the final outcome remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: actions taken in defiance of the law, no matter how desperate, will always carry serious consequences.