Recent high school grad missing in Bahamas after going overboard, Louisiana school says
UPDATE: The U.S. Coast Guard announced May 27 it was calling off the search for Robbins in the Bahamas, according to a statement.
“We were informed by the RBDF (Royal Bahamas Defense Force) this evening that they were suspending the active search efforts pending further developments, and were not requesting further Coast Guard assistance after notifying the Robbins family. We offer our sincerest condolences to Cameron Robbins’ family and friends,” the statement read.
The original story continues below.
An 18-year-old went overboard in the Bahamas and is missing days after walking across the stage at his high school graduation, school officials said.
Cameron Robbins was a student at University Laboratory High School, a preparatory school through Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
“Recent graduate of University High Lab School, 18-year-old Cameron Robbins is missing after he went overboard a boat last night in the Bahamas,” LSU spokesperson Abbi Rocha Laymoun told McClatchy News in an email on May 25. “School administrators are aware of the situation and are providing extra counselors for students and faculty who know him.”
Robbins was traveling with a group of seniors from multiple schools on a trip to Atlantis, in Paradise Island, LSU officials told BRProud.
Robbins graduated from high school on Sunday, May 21, The Advocate reported.
The U.S. Coast Guard said in a Facebook post that it is assisting the Royal Bahamas Defence Force with “search efforts for a missing U.S. citizen believed to have fallen overboard from a sunset cruise near Nassau, yesterday evening.”
The Royal Bahamas Police Force told WBRZ it is investigating a claim that Robbins jumped into the water on a dare and swam in the water next to the boat with a life jacket nearby.
“A 13-year kid here at U-High,” Lab School Director Kevin George told the outlet. “That’s a special kid that’s been here throughout his entire educational career. He’s an athlete, great kid, great smile, great head of hair. Just one of the kids you’re so proud of when they cross the stage.”
U-High administrators were in contact with local authorities and Robbins’ family, and told McClatchy News the search was ongoing in the Bahamas.
“The University Lab School Community is praying for the best possible outcome of this situation,” George told McClatchy News in an email. “In times like these we must come together and support each other. Words fall short of expressing the worry our entire school community is feeling. ... Our thoughts are with the Robbins family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts as well.”
Robbins is from Baton Rouge, The Advocate reported.
This story was originally published May 25, 2023 at 5:15 PM with the headline "Recent high school grad missing in Bahamas after going overboard, Louisiana school says."
