Two drownings at Bahamas resort prompt safety review

Two American tourists die in separate drownings on the same day at Carnival's Celebration Key resort in the Bahamas.

Two Americans drown at Bahamas resort within hours

Two American tourists, aged 79 and 74, drowned in separate incidents on August 15 at Celebration Key, a private resort opened this July for Carnival Cruise Line guests. In the first case, a 79-year-old man became unresponsive while snorkeling off a Celebration Key beach; lifeguards and medical personnel attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead. A few hours later, a 74-year-old woman was found unresponsive in a swimming pool; a lifeguard pulled her from the water and performed CPR, but she did not survive. Authorities said autopsies will determine the exact causes of death and that the victims’ names have not yet been released.

Carnival Cruise Line said it is cooperating with investigators and noted that it relies on trained lifeguards and medical teams to respond quickly. The Royal Bahamas Police Force said it is leading the investigations and that both incidents are being reviewed. Celebration Key is a $600 million private property built for Carnival guests and opened in July; the resort issued a statement expressing sorrow and offering care services to affected families.

These drownings highlight how luxury hospitality meets real safety risk in private destinations. When tragedy strikes a brand tied to a cruise line, questions about water safety and emergency readiness become central to public trust. The Bahamas relies on tourism, and how authorities and the company communicate the investigation can influence future bookings. Expect insurers, regulators, and travelers to scrutinize safety standards at similar properties in the months ahead.

Highlights

Investigations will reveal what happened and what changes, if any, are needed.