The family of a missing teenager are desperately seeking answers after he mysteriously vanished in the treacherous waters off the Bahamas.
Cameron Robbins, an 18-year-old baseball star from Baton Rouge, had his final steps retraced by his family, including the "shark-infested" waters, in an emotional journey to uncover any clues about his disappearance.
Robbins, who had just graduated from University Laboratory High School, embarked on a celebratory trip to the Bahamas.
But he ended up in the water after he leaped overboard from a pirate ship-style vessel, Blackbeard's Revenge, on the evening of May 24.
Chilling video footage from the boat captured the tragic incident. It showed Robbins initially swimming away from a rescue buoy while onlookers desperately shouted for him to grab hold of it.
Speculation arose that he may have been trying to escape from a shark, given the notorious reputation of the waters in that area.
Upon receiving the distressing news, the US Coast Guard launched an extensive search operation.
Despite their tireless efforts and days spent scouring the surrounding waters, no sign of Robbins or his belongings was found. Authorities were left with no choice but to call off the search.
Determined to find their son, Robbins' family traveled to the Bahamas to aid in the search efforts.
Brian Trascher, vice president of the search-and-rescue nonprofit group United Cajun Navy, expressed admiration for the family's strength.
He said: "It took a lot of strength for them to go out there and stay for a few days"
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) confirmed the perilous nature of the waters where Robbins went missing, describing them as "really shark-infested."
Crews diligently searched an expansive area spanning over 325 square miles, but their efforts yielded no significant leads, prompting the decision to conclude the search.
Trascher shed light on the search protocol, explaining that if any evidence or clues were discovered, the search would be extended beyond the standard 48-hour period.
However, in the absence of such indications, the search was regrettably called off.
"Had they found a piece of clothing or any kind of clue, that would cause them to extend that 48-hour period, but if they don't get any kind of indication, then that's usually when they call it off," Trascher revealed.
Blackbeard's Revenge, the company operating the vessel from which Robbins went missing, expressed condolences to the grieving family.
They assured the public that they had followed all approved safety procedures and company policies during the "man overboard" incident
A memorial service honouring Cameron Robbins has been scheduled for June 4 at the Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge.
