A passenger aboard a vessel operated by NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line died during a snorkeling excursion at Great Stirrup Cay, a private destination in the Bahamas reserved for the company’s fleet.
The individual, an 83-year-old American national, is understood to have been participating in a recreational swim off the island on May 3rd when he became unresponsive in the water. Local authorities were alerted during the afternoon, and officers attended the scene accompanied by medical personnel. Upon examination, no vital signs were detected, and the passenger was pronounced deceased. An investigation into the circumstances has been initiated by Bahamian authorities.
The passenger had been snorkeling in the company of his son, who had proceeded ahead before noticing that his father had ceased movement. On returning, he found him unresponsive and assistance was immediately requested. Lifeguards and onboard medical staff responded, though resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
The incident occurred during a scheduled call by the Norwegian Getaway, which had departed Miami on a short Bahamas itinerary and included stops at Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay before returning to Florida. The vessel had been alongside the island between morning and late afternoon on the day of the occurrence.
Great Stirrup Cay forms part of the Berry Islands and is operated exclusively for guests of Norwegian Cruise Line. The destination is equipped with beaches, recreational facilities and organised excursions, including snorkeling and other water-based activities that form a central component of the shore programme.
The case remains under review as authorities proceed with standard investigative and post-mortem procedures to determine the precise cause of death.
For more Norwegian Getaway incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page