A number of readers of our blog have contacted us asking for information about a jet ski mishap where a cruise passenger apparently died in the Bahamas on November 24th.
The incident reportedly occurred after the cruise passenger rented a jet ski at the Atlantis resort in Nassau. The passenger had sailed to Nassau aboard the Carnival Magic cruise ship.
There are no news accounts regarding the incident which we have been able to find.
One reader wrote to us saying:
" . . . I think it would be good to have more openness so that people can make better informed decisions about activities when they go on vacation. I think it’s atrocious that it is obviously being covered up. I also checked all avenues before I wrote you a note. It is real but I don’t know how to get the information out."
The U.S. Department of State has the following warning about water sports rentals in the Bahamas:
"The water sports and scooter rental industries in The Bahamas are not carefully regulated. Every year people are killed or injured due to improper, careless, or reckless operation of scooters, jet-skis, and personal watercraft or scuba/snorkeling equipment. Visitors should rent equipment only from reputable operators, and should insist on sufficient training before using the equipment. There have been reports that some operators do not actually provide insurance coverage even when the renter opted (and paid) for insurance coverage. Visitors should insist on seeing proof that operators have sufficient medical and liability insurance."
There are lots of articles on line about jet ski accidents in the Bahamas, including this article dating back to 2004.
If you were on the Magic and have information about this incident, please leave a comment below.
November 30, 2011 Update:
A reader left a comment below and alerted us that there is a video from the Bahamas about the incident. The victim was apparenty 47 years old and from Texas.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=4rbIfuiZoeM%3Frel%3D0
Video credit: Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas