Tragedy at Bahamas’ Newly Opened Luxury Resort: 2 US Carnival Cruise Passengers Drown Hours Apart

Tragedy at Bahamas’ Newly Opened Luxury Resort: 2 US Carnival Cruise Passengers Drown Hours Apart

Two American cruise passengers, aged 79 and 74, died in separate incidents at Carnival Cruise Line’s newly opened Celebration Key resort on Grand Bahama Island.

Incident Details

  • The incidents occurred on August 15, just hours apart, at Celebration Key, Carnival’s private resort that opened on July 19.
  • A 79-year-old man went unresponsive while snorkelling at the beach around noon. Lifeguards administered CPR, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.
  • Later that day, a 74-year-old woman was found unresponsive in a freshwater lagoon. Despite CPR, she could not be revived.

Cruise Ship Information

  • The male victim was aboard Mardi Gras, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
  • The female victim was aboard Carnival Elation, departing from Jacksonville, Florida.

Investigation and Response

  • The Royal Bahamas Police Force is investigating, with autopsies pending.
  • Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement: “Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents… Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families, and our Care Team is providing assistance.”

About Celebration Key

  • The resort boasts the world’s largest freshwater lagoon, Starfish Lagoon, and an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool at the Pearl Cove Beach Club.
  • Guests can enjoy activities like paddleboarding and various dining options.