Emily Brown
Police on the island of Grand Bahama have said they are investigating the deaths of two American tourists who apparently drowned while visiting a private island destination owned by Carnival Cruise Line.
Having long entertained guests at sea, last month Carnival unveiled its new $600 million vacation spot on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, named Celebration Key.
The resort is exclusive to Carnival guests and features lagoons and beaches where guests can enjoy infinity pools, swim-up bars and other activities, but on August 15, two tourists tragically lost their lives at the vacation destination.
In a statement shared on August 16, police in Grand Bahama announced that two incidents had taken place within hours of each other; one shortly before noon local time, and the second shortly after 2.30pm.
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The first incident involved an unresponsive 79-year-old male, who had been brought on board a commercial vessel after reportedly becoming unresponsive while snorkeling at a beach.
Police explained: "A lifeguard assisted him from the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail. As a result, the male who is reported to be an American national was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor."
Just a couple of hours later, officers were alerted to an unresponsive 74-year-old female who was on board a different boat.
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An initial report cited by the authorities stated that the woman became unresponsive while swimming in a pool, adding: "A lifeguard assisted her out of the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail. As a result, the female who was reported to be an American national was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor."
In the wake of the incidents, authorities will carry out autopsies to determine the exact cause of death of the two tourists.
A spokesperson for Carnival confirmed the news of the deaths in a statement to UNILAD, adding that the cruise line's 'lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents—one in the lagoon and one at the beach'.
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"One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation," the Carnival spokesperson said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance."
Carnival promises 'activities and adventure' at Celebration Key, describing it as a location where visitors can 'snorkel, kayak, ride an ATV, swim with dolphins, take guided island tours and more'.