83-Year-Old Cruise Passenger Dies in Suspected Drowning in Bahamas

When you book a cruise, you're banking on some fun in the sun on the open water and a chance to get away from the stresses of everyday life. You're probably not banking on encountering tragedy during your time away.

Sadly, a passenger aboard a Norwegian Cruise ship died in a suspected drowning at the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed the death in a press release on social media.

Details on Sunday's tragedy

According to the press release, police were called to Great Stirrup Cay, Berry Islands just after 3 p.m. on the afternoon Sunday, May 3.

"Officers, accompanied by a local doctor, proceeded to the location and were directed to a medical facility on the island," the statement says. "There, a cruise line physician directed them to an unresponsive male. After an examination, no vital signs were detected, and the man was pronounced dead."

The victim, 83, had been snorkeling with his son near the beach around 2 p.m., police say. Toward the end of their session, the son moved ahead but soon noticed his father was not following.

"Upon returning, he found his father in the water without a mask and unresponsive," the Royal Bahamas Police said. "He immediately called for assistance, and a lifeguard, along with medical personnel, responded."

Authorities have begun an investigation into the death, while an autopsy is also planned.

Rough time for cruise industry

In addition to this suspected drowning, tragedy hit another Norwegian Cruise ship recently when a crew member fell overboard off the coast of Cape Cod in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 26.

There is also the ongoing hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hontius cruise ship, which has resulted in three deaths and left passengers stranded. Additionally, a pair of Carnival Cruise Line guests drowned in separate incidents at Celebration Key in the Bahamas last August.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 10:04 AM.