An 83-year-old passenger aboard the Norwegian Getaway died while snorkeling in the Bahamas on Sunday, May 3, according to local outlet Eyewitness News. Royal Bahamas Police Force described the death as an apparent drowning after the American man was found unresponsive in the water at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island.
The Norwegian Getaway was at Great Stirrup Cay from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 3 as part of a 3-day Bahamas cruise, according to CruiseMapper.
The man had been snorkeling with his son at the beach when the incident happened. After swimming ahead, the son later realized his father had stopped, turned back, and found him unresponsive and no longer wearing his snorkel mask.
Officers were alerted to the incident shortly after 3 p.m. local time. They arrived on the private island with a local doctor, who examined the passenger and pronounced him dead after finding no vital signs.
In a statement carried by Fox News, Norwegian Cruise Line said it was saddened by the death and extended condolences to the passenger’s family. The company added, “Our medical team and local emergency responders provided immediate assistance. Unfortunately, the guest was unable to be revived.”
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, according to Royal Bahamas Police Force.
The death comes just weeks after a 67-year-old passenger from the Carnival Splendor drowned while snorkeling at Moreton Island, Australia.