Less than a month after opening, Carnival’s new Celebration Key in the Bahamas has already faced tragedy. Two American passengers, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman, died in separate drowning incidents on Friday, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Police reported the man became “unresponsive while snorkeling at a beach.” A lifeguard pulled him from the water and administered CPR, but he did not survive. In a separate incident, the woman “became unresponsive while swimming in a pool.” Despite lifeguard and medical efforts, she also passed away. Autopsies are underway to determine the cause of both deaths.
Carnival confirmed the incidents, stating, “Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents—one in the lagoon and one at the beach.” A 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.”
Celebration Key, a $600 million investment, opened on July 19 with promises of luxury, entertainment, and economic growth for Grand Bahama. Carnival projects it will attract up to four million visitors annually by 2028, bringing long-term jobs and major tourism revenue. However, these deaths raise questions about safety and preparedness at the highly promoted destination.
