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Two passengers from the Carnival Cruise Line tragically passed away in separate drowning incidents that occurred at Celebration Key, the new private destination exclusively for the company's guests on Grand Bahama Island.
The victims, a 74-year-old woman and a 79-year-old man, were U.S. citizens traveling with their respective families aboard the cruise ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.
A paradisiacal destination turned into a scene of tragedy
Celebration Key, a resort valued at 600 million dollars and recently opened by Carnival in July, is marketed as an unparalleled vacation experience, with limited access for the cruise line’s passengers.
The resort includes beaches, artificial lagoons, water parks, pools, restaurants, and entertainment areas.
Friday, August 15, however, became the scene of two deaths that have shocked both the guests and the company's staff.
"Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate emergencies at Celebration Key on Friday: one in the lagoon and another at the beach. Unfortunately, both guests have passed away," reported Carnival Cruise Line in a statement cited by CBS News.
First incident: A 79-year-old man loses consciousness while snorkeling
The first emergency was reported shortly before noon.
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, a 79-year-old man was found unconscious aboard a commercial vessel. The preliminary report indicates that the man was snorkeling at one of the resort's beaches when he lost consciousness.
"A lifeguard assisted him from the water and CPR was administered, but to no avail," the police reported to NBC News.
The man was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by a doctor.
Although the nationality was confirmed as American, their identity was not revealed.
Second incident: 74-year-old woman dies after collapsing in a pool
Shortly after, around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, authorities were notified of a second case.
This time, a 74-year-old woman was found unconscious in a swimming pool of the same resort complex.
According to the police, a lifeguard pulled the woman from the water and attempted to revive her with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers, but was unsuccessful.
She was also declared dead by a doctor. Similar to the previous case, the victim was a U.S. citizen, and her identity was not disclosed out of respect for the family's privacy.
Reaction from Carnival Cruise Line
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families, and our support team is providing assistance," the company stated in a statement released by the media.
The company also stated that its rescuers and medical personnel responded immediately and that they are fully cooperating with the investigation led by the Bahamian authorities.
Both deaths are being investigated by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, which announced that autopsies will be conducted to accurately determine the causes of death.
“An autopsy will be performed on both victims to help determine the exact cause of death. The investigation is ongoing in both cases,” the police confirmed.
So far, no failures have been identified in the security protocols of Celebration Key.
However, the fact that two people passed away just hours apart at the same complex raises concerns and calls into question the safety standards of the new resort.
Another incident in the Bahamas: tourist attacked by shark
While authorities were investigating these deaths, a third incident was reported in another area of the archipelago. A 63-year-old American citizen was attacked by a shark while practicing spear fishing in Big Grand Cay on Saturday around 1:00 p.m., according to Bahamian police.
The man, whose name was also not disclosed, suffered "serious injuries" and was urgently taken to a local clinic before being airlifted to the United States for specialized treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Incident at Celebration Key and Cruise Security
What happened to American tourists in Celebration Key?
Two American tourists died in Celebration Key, the exclusive Carnival destination in the Bahamas, in separate drowning incidents. A 79-year-old man lost consciousness while snorkeling, and a 74-year-old woman fainted in a pool. Both incidents occurred on the same day, and the victims could not be resuscitated despite the efforts of rescuers.
What security measures does Carnival Cruise Line have at its resorts?
Carnival Cruise Line assures that its lifeguards and medical staff responded immediately to the emergencies at Celebration Key. The company is fully cooperating with the investigation by Bahamian authorities into the deaths. So far, no failures in the resort's safety protocols have been identified, but the fatalities have raised concerns about safety standards.
How is Carnival reacting to the deaths in Celebration Key?
Carnival Cruise Line expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and noted that its care team is providing assistance. The company has also stated its willingness to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation by local authorities to determine the causes of the deaths.
What other incidents have occurred recently in the Bahamas?
In addition to the incidents in Celebration Key, it was reported that a 63-year-old American citizen was attacked by a shark while scuba diving in Big Grand Cay. The man sustained severe injuries and was evacuated to the United States for specialized treatment. These incidents highlight the need to exercise caution in aquatic activities in the region.
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