Jerry Kolber On the Many 'Slaycation' Murders On Cruise Ships
Jan 09, 2024, 10:00 PM
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Have you ever wondered about the darker side of your dream vacation destinations? The latest episode of "Hidden Killers" podcast, hosted by Tony Brueski, delves into this chilling subject with Jerry Kolber, the host of "Slaycation." They explore the unsettling frequency of homicides in seemingly idyllic holiday settings, from cruise ships to camping sites.
Kolber begins with an unsettling revelation about cruise ships, often seen as symbols of joy and relaxation. "A lot of what happens on cruise ships does not get classified as homicide," Kolber explains, shedding light on the underreported dark events that occur in these floating cities. He shares a case where a man claimed his fiancée was blown off the deck by a sudden wind, a story quickly debunked by the absence of such weather conditions and damning physical evidence.
Brueski probes deeper, questioning the awareness of other guests during such incidents. Kolber reveals that most cruise ship murders go unnoticed by fellow travelers, with bodies typically hidden in ship freezers until authorities can intervene. This secretive handling aligns with the cruise lines' intent to maintain a façade of safety and fun, despite the grim realities lurking beneath.
The conversation takes a grisly turn with the recounting of a cruise ship employee's accidental death, witnessed by guests due to a malfunctioning elevator. This incident, while an accident, highlights the potential for horrifying experiences in places of leisure.
Kolber notes that while some slaycations are premeditated, others result from accidents or careless actions. He shares that they often delve into cases where the line between murder and accident is blurred, offering a nuanced view of these tragic events.
Discussing the types of vacations where such incidents are prevalent, Kolber points out that outdoor activities involving water or heights are common settings for these tragedies. He cites an episode about a scuba diving incident at the Great Barrier Reef, an example of a murder accusation in a crowded tourist spot, which is a rarity in their findings.
In contrast to the dramatic scenarios often depicted in movies, real-life cases on cruises or in national parks rarely involve large-scale investigations with the entire location on lockdown. Instead, they are typically more subdued, with the perpetrator often attempting to cover up the act as an accident.
Brueski and Kolber also touch on the financial motives behind many of these crimes, with insurance money often being a significant factor. Kolber points out, "People are really bad at hiding murders in general. They don't usually look like accidents as much as they think they would."
Intriguingly, the discussion also veers into the realm of excursions and adventure activities that tourists partake in while on vacation. Kolber clarifies that while accidents do happen, most operators are highly motivated to ensure the safety of their clients. The conversation underscores that while the possibility of murder or accidents exists, they are not as common as one might fear.
As the episode wraps up, Kolber encourages listeners to tune into "Slaycation" not as a deterrent from traveling, but as a means to become more aware of these rare but real risks. The podcast serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and informed, even in moments meant for relaxation and escape.
As you plan your next holiday, it's worth pondering: How much do we really know about the hidden dangers of our favorite vacation spots? And how can we stay safe while seeking adventure and respite in these destinations?
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Kolber begins with an unsettling revelation about cruise ships, often seen as symbols of joy and relaxation. "A lot of what happens on cruise ships does not get classified as homicide," Kolber explains, shedding light on the underreported dark events that occur in these floating cities. He shares a case where a man claimed his fiancée was blown off the deck by a sudden wind, a story quickly debunked by the absence of such weather conditions and damning physical evidence.
Brueski probes deeper, questioning the awareness of other guests during such incidents. Kolber reveals that most cruise ship murders go unnoticed by fellow travelers, with bodies typically hidden in ship freezers until authorities can intervene. This secretive handling aligns with the cruise lines' intent to maintain a façade of safety and fun, despite the grim realities lurking beneath.
The conversation takes a grisly turn with the recounting of a cruise ship employee's accidental death, witnessed by guests due to a malfunctioning elevator. This incident, while an accident, highlights the potential for horrifying experiences in places of leisure.
Kolber notes that while some slaycations are premeditated, others result from accidents or careless actions. He shares that they often delve into cases where the line between murder and accident is blurred, offering a nuanced view of these tragic events.
Discussing the types of vacations where such incidents are prevalent, Kolber points out that outdoor activities involving water or heights are common settings for these tragedies. He cites an episode about a scuba diving incident at the Great Barrier Reef, an example of a murder accusation in a crowded tourist spot, which is a rarity in their findings.
In contrast to the dramatic scenarios often depicted in movies, real-life cases on cruises or in national parks rarely involve large-scale investigations with the entire location on lockdown. Instead, they are typically more subdued, with the perpetrator often attempting to cover up the act as an accident.
Brueski and Kolber also touch on the financial motives behind many of these crimes, with insurance money often being a significant factor. Kolber points out, "People are really bad at hiding murders in general. They don't usually look like accidents as much as they think they would."
Intriguingly, the discussion also veers into the realm of excursions and adventure activities that tourists partake in while on vacation. Kolber clarifies that while accidents do happen, most operators are highly motivated to ensure the safety of their clients. The conversation underscores that while the possibility of murder or accidents exists, they are not as common as one might fear.
As the episode wraps up, Kolber encourages listeners to tune into "Slaycation" not as a deterrent from traveling, but as a means to become more aware of these rare but real risks. The podcast serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and informed, even in moments meant for relaxation and escape.
As you plan your next holiday, it's worth pondering: How much do we really know about the hidden dangers of our favorite vacation spots? And how can we stay safe while seeking adventure and respite in these destinations?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com