Sad reason why Sydney dad went overboard
A father-of-three who fell overboard a P&O cruise ship last week has been identified, and his brother claimed that he had racked up a $4,000 casino debt onboard after being lured to spend big by the company's incentives.
Shane Dixon, 50, died after falling overboard the cruise ship two hours before was due to dock in Sydney Harbour at 6am on Monday, May 6.
Shane was reportedly on the three-day Elvis-themed cruise to Queensland's Moreton Island with his mother Sue Dixon, 66, who had saved up for the trip.
"Our mother is devastated. Broken," Shane's brother Scott Dixon told Daily Mail Australia.
“She has already buried one son and now she has to bury another one,” he said.
Scott said that his brother was going through a rough time, as he struggled financially due to a series of tragedies including the breakdown of his marriage, and the deaths of their brother and father.
Shane had spent $5000 at the cruise’s casino on the Friday, and Scott claimed that his brother received free drinks, a $750 play voucher and a ticket for a future cruise.
In Australia, strict laws govern how gaming providers can advertise gambling, with promotions like the above, which may encourage someone to spend more than they intend banned.
However, cruise ships that operate casinos in international waters can bypass these laws, reported the Daily Mail.
After borrowing money from his family to repay the debt, Shane ended up spending another $4000 the following night, according to Scott.
"His brain was probably going 100 miles an hour. He probably thought, ‘s***, I’ve done it again. I can’t afford it and I can’t ask mum for more money," Scott said.
He added that P&O staff have been amazing and compassionate towards his mother.
A P&O Australia spokesperson said they won’t be commenting on the claims due to the coroner’s investigation that is underway.
Images: ABC News/ news.com.au