A passenger aboard the cruise vessel Carnival Liberty died after going overboard while the ship was sailing between Celebration Key and Nassau in the Bahamas.
The incident occurred shortly after the vessel departed Celebration Key, the private Bahamian destination operated by CCL-Carnival Cruise Line. The company reported that the male passenger had apparently climbed over the balcony of his stateroom before entering the water.
According to the cruise operator, the vessel’s crew initiated emergency response procedures immediately after the incident was reported. Rescue operations included the deployment of a rescue craft and the use of lifesaving equipment while the ship conducted a search in the waters between Celebration Key and Nassau. The passenger was subsequently recovered from the sea but did not survive.
Carnival Cruise Line stated that support was being provided to the family members travelling with the deceased passenger.
Passengers aboard the vessel later described online how emergency announcements were issued immediately following the incident, with many observing the rescue effort from open deck areas as the search continued after nightfall.
The incident occurred during a 7-night roundtrip Bahamas itinerary operating from New Orleans. The voyage included scheduled calls at Key West, Celebration Key, and Nassau before the vessel’s planned return to Louisiana.
The fatality marks the second serious incident linked with Celebration Key within the same week. Earlier, an 88-year-old passenger travelling aboard Carnival Celebration died after reportedly losing control of a mobility scooter and falling from a pier into the water while the ship was alongside at the Bahamian destination.
For more Carnival Liberty incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page