Cruise ship worker's troubling posts before mysterious plunge overboard
As the desperate search continues for a British cruise ship entertainer who went overboard on Christmas Day, a series of concerning social media posts have come to light.
The alarm was raised about Arron Hough when he did not report for work on the Harmony of the Seas, a vessel operated by the Royal Caribbean.
The 20-year-old, who was a cast member of the musical “Grease” which was being performed onboard the ship, is believed to have gone overboard some 430km off the northwest of Puerto Rico on Tuesday.
At the time the Coast Guard became aware of the incident, the ship was traveling from its home port of Fort Lauderdale to its first stop of St. Maarten island on its seven-day Caribbean itinerary.
The United States Coast Guard said it had deployed a Clearwater HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and the Coast Guard Cutter Resolute in the search.
Before his disappearance Mr Hough posted a number of cryptic messages on his Twitter account, including “Beneath the water is beauty… Always look beneath the surface before you decide on things”.
Just downed a full bottle of water n the ships rocky af and I can feel it swilling around in me gut n it’s not that nice tbf
— Arron Luke Hough (@Arronhoughxox) December 22, 2018
Beneath the water is beauty..
Always look beneath the surface before you decide on things— Arron Luke Hough (@Arronhoughxox) December 22, 2018
He also posted a screenshot last week of a status highlighting how many people use social media to give an appearance of happiness when their reality is very different.
— Arron Luke Hough (@Arronhoughxox) December 19, 2018
A spokesman for Royal Caribbean said: “We are saddened to report that after a review of the ship’s closed-circuit camera footage, he was observed entering an area on Deck 5 at around 4am and was not seen again”.
“Local authorities were notified and a ship-wide search for the crew member was conducted.
“Our care team is providing support to the family and friends of our colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”
The Sunderland resident had attended the London-based drama school Urdang Academy, according to his Facebook page.
The academy says they are praying for Mr Hough and his family, according to a message posted on Twitter.
“Please keep up your hope and faith that he is found safe and sound as soon as possible,” it read.
In July, talent agency Russell Smith Associates tweeted that Mr Hough would be joining the cast of Grease The Musical on Harmony of the Seas.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by callingLifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
