Passenger killed at Carnival's Half Moon Cay private island
It was a passenger sailing Holland America Line who met a horrible, untimely demise.
It's very rare that someone dies on a cruise ship.
Usually, when it happens, it's either an older person who has a heart attack or some other sudden illness. In most other cases, it's either someone doing something really dumb (like jumping between balconies or playing dangerous games at the railing) or a suicide.
Related: U.S. issues 'reconsider travel' warning for Caribbean cruise port
There are accidental deaths, but it's a very rare occurrence.
A legal website (designed to recruit people to sue cruise lines) shared some statistics on cruise ship deaths.
- One study found 623 reported deaths between 2000-2019. (Other statistics indicate the number might be higher).
- More than 100 cruise ships have run aground since 1980.
- Only 28% of people who fall overboard will survive.
- 89% of cruise ship deaths are passengers, while 11% are crew members.
Now, another sad soul has joined that list and Doug Parker has the full story on the March 24 edition of Cruise News Today.
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Passenger killed at Half Moon Cay
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning. Here's your cruise news for Monday, March 24.
An investigation is underway following the passing of a female cruise passenger on Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
The incident occurred just after 1 p.m. on Saturday when Holland America Line's New Amsterdam was visiting the private island.
Authorities say that a woman was riding a jet ski when she reportedly lost control and struck a rock. Despite efforts by medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries.
In turn, the ship was delayed returning to Port Everglades on Sunday.
Bahamian police are continuing the investigation.
Port closed after boat capsizes; Royal adds new ban
Over the weekend, the port of Jacksonville was temporarily closed after a boat capsized Friday night near the Dames Point Bridge, prompting a search and rescue operation.
As a result, Carnival Elation was delayed returning from its Bahamas cruise because the channel was closed. This, in turn, pushed back Saturday's embarkation.
The ship itself, though, was not affected by the incident.
Royal Caribbean has quietly introduced a new rule banning personal Bluetooth speakers on its private island, Perfect Day.
First reported by Royal Caribbean Blog, the update appeared in the March 15 Cruise Compass aboard Icon of the Seas. It says it wants to keep the island's atmosphere peaceful and family-friendly.
Although not yet listed on the official prohibited items list, the Cruise Compass states that glass bottles and personal speakers are prohibited.
This move follows similar steps last year by Carnival banning Bluetooth speakers.
The ban, though, currently only applies to Perfect Day, not on the ships themselves with Royal Caribbean.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@cruiseradio.net.
Here aboard Norwegian Aqua making our way to Southampton.
Supposed to pick up a pilot at 3 a.m. bright and early Tuesday morning.
I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. Have yourself a great Monday.
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