A Sydney father-of-three who racked up a huge gambling bill and died after falling from a P&O cruise ship has been remembered at a moving funeral attended by dozens of friends and family.
Shane Dixon, 45, died after falling overboard while sailing on an Elvis-themed Pacific Adventure cruise ship shortly after 4am on May 6 as it approached Sydney Harbour.
The truck driver, from Campbelltown, in Sydney’s west, had been on the three-day cruise with his mother Sue Dixon, 66, who had saved up to book the trip as a holiday gift for the couple.
But he sank and died as the P&O luxury liner Pacific Adventure approached Sydney Harbour, after racking up $9,000 in gambling losses over two nights at the cruise ship’s onboard casino.
On Thursday, around a hundred mourners packed Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Camden to say goodbye, and heartbroken friends and family paid tribute following his tragic death.
During the service, a ceremonial casket sat on the altar with a decorative flag by RM Williams and a floral arrangement along with a framed photograph of Shane.
Shane Dixon is pictured with his mother Sue Dixon, who saved up to take them on the boat.
Shane Dixon, 45, plunged to his death from the P&O cruise ship Pacific Adventure shortly after 4am on May 6 as it approached Sydney Harbour.
During the service, a ceremonial casket sat on the altar with a decorative flag by RM Williams and a floral arrangement along with a framed photograph of Shane.
Several motorcycle enthusiasts joined the crowd of mourners, along with a ceremonial Harley Davidson escort for the man known as a “charismatic country music lover.”
A family speaker noted Shane’s mental health issues and how he was estranged from his three children, who were not identified during the brief service.
The eldest of Wilber and Lynn’s five children, mourners heard and attended Thomas Acres Public School and Thomas Riddell High School.
“Let’s just say he had no passion for learning,” said one celebrant. “His teachers also knew him as the class clown.”
According to people close to the family, Shane’s playful nature can be summed up by one of his favorite songs, ‘The Wombat Wobble’, which played at the end of the moving service.
In an ode to their profession, the truckers’ anthem ‘Convoy’ played during the slideshow showing photos of happier times.
The family remembered his love of the outdoors and his life spread across several Australian states.
The celebrant added: ‘She lived in South Australia for a time, where she welcomed her first child.
“Shane loved going fishing and camping and he loved living in Darwin and just being in the countryside.”
Shane’s brother Scott revealed that his brother had been going through a difficult time as he struggled financially.
He had also been dealing with a series of tragedies, including the breakdown of his marriage and the deaths of his brother and father.
To blow off some steam, Shane went to the cruise ship’s casino on Friday and spent $5,000 while the casino staff offered him free drinks, a $750 gambling voucher, and a ticket to a future cruise.
Shane borrowed $5,000 from his mother to pay off the debt, but returned to the casino the next night and accumulated another $4,000 while trying to recoup his losses from the previous night.
The family fought back tears as they said goodbye to their ‘beloved son, brother and uncle’ Shane Dixon.
Mourners gathered in Camden to say goodbye to the charismatic country music lover.
Mourners comforted each other after the brief service.
Scott believes Shane would have realized the seriousness of his situation when the ship began returning to Australian waters, where the cruise ship casinos closed.
Shane fell from the cruise ship just 10 nautical miles from Sydney Harbour.
His family has now criticized the unethical practices used by cruise companies to encourage gambling under “international waters” guidelines – which would be considered illegal in Australia – which encouraged him to rack up huge debt.
Scott admitted that P&O staff had shown compassion towards his mother, but insisted the company’s casino policies were irresponsible.
In Australia, there are strict laws governing how gaming providers can advertise gambling. Promotions such as giving customers alcoholic beverages, gambling vouchers and prizes to encourage them to spend are prohibited.
Pacific Adventure cruise ship sails into Sydney Harbor hours after Dixon fell overboard
However, cruise ships that operate casinos in international waters can circumvent these regulations, offering a lucrative escape from the rules.
Punters also don’t need to pay up front and can include their splurge directly on their room bill, making it easier to spend and harder to track.
Carnival, the parent company of P&O Cruises, responded to the allegations in a statement to Daily Mail Australia earlier this week.
“P&O Cruises Australia appreciates guest feedback,” a spokesperson said.
‘We have responsible gaming conduct policies on all P&O ships and we take them seriously.
“We encourage any guests with concerns to contact us so we can investigate.”
For 24/7 confidential support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
For 24/7 gambling support, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858
