Two Passengers Drown at Carnival’s New Bahamas Island

Two Carnival Cruise Line guests tragically drowned within hours of one another while visiting Celebration Key, the company’s newly opened private island in the Bahamas.

Both incidents took place on Friday and involved travelers in their 70s. According to a statement posted on Facebook by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the victims were a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman, each sailing on different cruises.

Witnesses said the man was snorkeling when he became “unresponsive.” A lifeguard brought him ashore and performed CPR, but he could not be revived.

Carnival confirmed in a statement that its “lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents — one in the lagoon and one at the beach.” A company spokesperson added: “One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance.”

The female passenger reportedly became “unresponsive” while swimming in a pool. Despite immediate treatment from a lifeguard, she did not survive.

Both victims, who were U.S. citizens, will undergo autopsies to confirm their causes of death.

The tragic events occurred at Celebration Key, which debuted on July 19 following a $600 million development project. The destination features expansive pools, a beach club, restaurants, bars, family activities, and a 275,000-square-foot lagoon alongside an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool.