Key Aspects:
- The Royal Bahamas Police has released an updated statement on the two deaths at Celebration Key on Friday, August 15.
- The two incidents were not related and the guests were from different ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.
- The investigations continue and full autopsies will be performed to determine the exact causes of death.
Carnival cruise fans were shocked to learn of two guests passing on the same day at Celebration Key on Friday, August 15, 2025. Now, local authorities have provided more details about the incidents.
The Royal Bahamas Police on Grand Bahama has issued a release about the pair of drownings. It is important note that these were separate, unrelated incidents.
Official investigations are standard procedure and seek to determine if all proper safety protocols were followed.
The first incident occurred just before noon when a 79-year-old male guest was found unresponsive while snorkeling at the beach.
“A lifeguard assisted him from the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail,” the report clarified.
The second incident was just after 2:30 p.m. when a 74-year-old woman was found unresponsive in the island’s large freshwater pool, which Carnival Cruise Line calls a “lagoon.”
Again, the woman was assisted from the water and CPR was performed, but without success.
Both guests have been reported as American citizens. Carnival Cruise Line previously confirmed that one guest from each ship at Celebration Key that day, Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.
“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,” Carnival Cruise Line stated.
Mardi Gras was in port from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Carnival Elation was in port from 2-8 p.m.
There has been much social media speculation about the exact causes of death for each guest, such as a heart attack or an aneurysm. To be clear, these are unconfirmed speculations, as final investigations have not yet been completed.
“An autopsy will be performed on both victims to assist with determining the exact cause of death,” the police report reads. “The investigation continues in both matters.”
Medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms can impact guests in different ways. Because both guests were in the water, any emergency could immediately impact breathing and muscle activity, resulting in drowning.
Further details about the individuals, including names and other identifying information, are unlikely to be released in order to protect their privacy as well as the privacy of their family members and traveling parties.
Both Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation have continued on their itineraries, a 6-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and a 4-night Bahamas sailing, respectively.
Is Celebration Key or Carnival Cruise Line at Fault?
Emergency medical incidents can happen absolutely everywhere, from theme parks and sporting events to concerts, at the grocery store, at home, or yes, even on cruise ships or their private islands.
Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues?
Carnival Cruise Line’s lifeguards and emergency personnel reacted to each incident immediately, implementing appropriate responses and lifesaving measures. It is a sad outcome that such responses were unable to save either guest.
This is not the first time cruise guests have passed while enjoying port visits. Similar incidents have happened at MSC Cruises’ MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, at Mystery Island in Vanuatu, and on the Greek island of Milos, among others.
Each incident is a tragic event for the families involved, as well as a sad and troubling day for other cruise guests and crew members.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with everyone impacted by such incidents, wherever and whenever they happen. Cruise vacations should always be fun and filled with good memories, not tragic endings.
