Two Americans Drown Within 3 Hours at the Same Bahamas Resort

Two Americans drown at Bahamas resort.

Tragedy at Celebration Key: two Americans die in separate incidents.

Carnival Cruise resort in the Bahamas under scrutiny after deaths.

Two American tourists died Friday in separate drowning incidents at the same Bahamas resort, local authorities and Carnival Cruise Line reported.

The deaths occurred at Celebration Key, a new $600 million private resort inaugurated in July for passengers of the cruise line.

In a statement, the company confirmed that both visitors were guests traveling on different cruises but ended up at the same destination.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the guests,” the company said, adding that its care team is providing assistance.

Two Americans drown at Bahamas resort

Two Americans have died from apparent drownings in separate incidents on the same day at the same Bahamas resort, officials said. https://t.co/Oz5T4s59i2 pic.twitter.com/Cxsr0wKs5F

— ABC News (@ABC) August 17, 2025

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the first victim was a 79-year-old man who was snorkeling at one of the resort’s beaches shortly before noon.

A lifeguard pulled him from the water and attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

Hours later, at 2:30 p.m., a 74-year-old woman was found unconscious in the Bahamas resort pool. She also received immediate assistance from lifeguards but could not be revived.

Both tourists were traveling with their families: the man was a passenger on the Mardi Gras cruise ship, and the woman was traveling on the Carnival Elation, according to the cruise line’s statement.

Authorities confirmed that autopsies will be conducted to determine the exact causes of death, although all evidence points to accidental drownings.

Investigation underway and other incidents

The drownings occurred at Celebration Key, a new $600 million private resort for guests of Carnival Cruise Line that opened in July, authorities said. https://t.co/MBtOMwK7Yu

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) August 17, 2025

Bahamian police are leading the investigation into both deaths, while Carnival said it is fully cooperating with the authorities.

The company stressed that the resort has lifeguards and trained medical teams who responded immediately to the emergencies.

The tragedy at Celebration Key adds to a series of recent incidents at tourist destinations in the region.

That same weekend, a 63-year-old American man was seriously injured in a shark attack while spearfishing in Big Grand Cay, also in the Bahamas.

The victim was transported to the United States after receiving initial care at a local clinic.

Bahamas resort under scrutiny

Celebration Key opened its doors in July as one of Carnival’s biggest tourism ventures in the Caribbean, featuring private beaches, artificial lagoons, and exclusive areas for cruise passengers.

The double incident occurring within less than three hours puts the resort’s safety under the spotlight and has raised questions about preventive measures in water activities.

Although authorities have not yet released the victims’ names, the news has shocked the tourism community and sparked concern among travelers, given the rapid growth of the Bahamas as a cruise destination.

This was reported by ABC News.

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