Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about Elon Musk, especially regarding his involvement with the U.S. government.
However, this time we’re not talking politics but rather a problem affecting one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, and Elon Musk has something to do with it.
Let’s find out what’s happening and why Musk is involved.
The Problem at Grand Turk
The popular cruise destination is Grand Turk, an island paradise known for breathtaking beaches, beautiful reefs, crystal-clear waters, and for being one of the most frequent stops in Caribbean cruises.
Every year an exorbitant number of passengers stop here. Just think that in 2024 there were more than 1 million tourists from cruise ships.
As you can imagine, tourism is absolutely vital to the island’s economy, but now, a new problem is putting it at risk.
This beloved destination has been facing a surprising and unusual challenge from an unexpected source: SpaceX, the space exploration giant led by Elon Musk.
What’s Washing Up on Shore?
Over the past several months, residents and visitors on Grand Turk have reported finding strange debris washing ashore.
Large metal fragments, unusual materials, and objects that are clearly not from local sources. Initially, locals were puzzled, but investigations quickly pointed skyward.
It turns out these mysterious items are remnants of SpaceX rockets that have splashed down into the ocean after launches.
While space exploration might seem far removed from the world of cruise vacations, the debris poses serious concerns.
Not only is it unsightly and potentially harmful to tourists exploring the island’s beaches, but it also presents significant risks to the fragile marine environment, particularly the pristine coral reefs and wildlife that make Grand Turk a unique cruise destination.
What to Do if You See Debris
According to reports, the local government of Turks and Caicos is in contact with SpaceX, demanding answers and solutions.
Officials have advised anyone encountering possible space debris to avoid touching it, record the time and location where it was found, take a photo if safe to do so, and immediately report it to authorities.
According to the government’s statement, any space debris discovered remains the property of its owner, in this instance, SpaceX.
Obviously, the goal isn’t to halt space exploration but to ensure that advancements in technology don’t come at the expense of local ecosystems and economies.
Also, consider that Grand Turk ranks among the top 10 cruise ports in the Caribbean. You can check out the full ranking by clicking here, and you might be surprised by who’s at the top!
The Debris Video
In early 2025, a video shot by a family vacationing in Grand Turks went viral after capturing the glowing trail of debris caused by the explosion of a Starship test flight.
In the video (which you can watch below), the family wonders aloud whether what they’re seeing is normal or not, unaware that a test flight had just exploded.
Also Read:
- 7 New Tourist Scams That Target Cruise Passengers
- The 10 Most Dangerous Ports in the World (eyes open if you go there)
- 13 Mistakes to avoid on cruise private islands
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
