Two U.S. Passengers Drown at Carnival’s New Celebration Key

Two Carnival Cruise passengers, both Americans in their 70s, drowned on August 15, 2025, in separate incidents. The deaths raise serious questions about the safety and security of the cruise line and its new Celebration Key in Grand Bahama.

What happened?

These two tragic cases involved passengers of separate ships who were both at Carnival’s new private destination on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key. Celebration Key opened just over a month ago, on July 19, 2025, following a $600 million investment in fresh water lagoons, beaches, and other venues.

One of the guests reportedly became unresponsive while snorkeling at the beach. The other was found unresponsive in the pool. One of the victims had traveled to the destination on Carnival Mardi Gras, while the other was on the Carnival Elation.

Autopsies of both individuals are now pending, and investigations by Bahamian authorities remain ongoing.

While it’s still unclear what led to either of these deaths, it’s important for us to point out that these tragedies are not “just accidents.” Cruise lines and their destinations must use reasonable care to protect guests in pools, lagoons, and beaches, and to respond swiftly and effectively when emergencies happen. Sadly, oversights, negligence, and poor planning can have deadly results.

How drownings like these happen — issues we investigate

Drownings on cruise ships and at resorts shouldn’t happen. These places are meant to be heavily staffed and regulated. Water safety and supervision need to be a top priority for cruise lines. These island stops are part and parcel of the cruise itself. The standard of care of the cruise line for passengers onboard its ships applies equally to the islands which it owns, operates, or expects the passengers to visit.

There are still questions about these two deaths that need answers. For instance, did Carnival have adequate lifeguard staffing? Were those lifeguards well-trained? Was Carnival surveilling the beaches, pools, and lagoons? How long were lifeguards meant to be on shifts? Were they fatigued?

Additionally, what were the rescue and response times once it was clear that something was wrong? Cruise ships should have AEDs, oxygen, and spine boards readily available for emergencies.

Other possible risks include poorly marked swimming locations. For instance, did pools and other swimming locations have proper markings regarding depths, drop-offs, and currents? Also, did staff provide adequate briefings for guests before excursions like snorkeling?

When it comes to cruises and resorts, there are additional issues as well, such as alcohol service and crowding, both of which can create serious risks to swimmers.

Investigations could help reveal some of the issues that may have led to two drownings on the same day.

Legal framework in cruise ship claims

In most cases, claims against U.S. cruise lines must be filed in the forum designated by the Passenger Ticket Contract. This forum is often the Miami federal court for major lines like Carnival. This applies even if the injury occurred in the Bahamas.

Also, passengers and their loved ones may face strict notice of claim timelines, which often require them to respond within just 180 days. The lawsuit often must be filed within one year of the incident. It’s extremely important not to wait and to remember that reporting to the cruise line alone does not preserve your claim.

In the case of wrongful death claims, families may seek compensation for recoverable losses. It’s important to speak to a lawyer to learn more about which laws may apply and what damages may be available.

When the death or the negligence is in foreign waters, like the snorkeling death did here, even if those waters are shallow, a Federal statute may limit recovery. The Federal statute is the Death on the High Seas Act. If that Act applies, the survivors cannot recover anything but “pecuniary” damages, that is, economic damages. What are those? Those are damages for medical expenses and lost income or support. The recovery would not allow damages for the pain and suffering of the decedent or for the sorrow of the survivors.

In the case of the swimming pool death, the recovery would not be limited by the Death on the High Seas Act. And the recovery would be governed by the Florida Wrongful Death Act. That Act or statute does allow the survivors of the decedent to recover for those “non economic” damages, that is, for the pre-death pain and suffering of the swimmer but also for the mental anguish and sorrow experienced by the survivors.

What families should do following a cruise ship drowning

It’s important for families to act right away after a cruise ship accident, especially one resulting in death. Some steps to take include requesting preservation of CCTV footage and incident reports from Carnival (and any venue operator), and keeping wristbands, tickets, excursion receipts, and snorkel gear if applicable.

Ask for copies of your written statements and any medical records from on-board providers. Avoid recorded statements to insurers and cruise representatives until you speak with a lawyer. Remember that the cruise ship and its representatives are looking out for the business, not you and your family.

Get contact information for lifeguards, security, medical staff, and witnesses. Save all photos, videos, and phone numbers related to the incident.

Finally, find a maritime lawyer to represent you right away. Your lawyer can help you access and preserve evidence, keep track of deadlines, and understand your legal options.

Get in touch with Hickey Law Firm today

At Hickey Law Firm, our founder, Jack Hickey, is Board Certified in Admiralty & Maritime Law by The Florida Bar, a Board Certified Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), and a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by The Florida Bar. Early in his career, he was an attorney for cruise lines, which means he knows their tactics and strategies and how to combat them. Maritime and cruise ship law is complicated, so it’s critical that you have someone represent you who has plenty of experience handling these types of claims. Call Hickey Law Firm today, or fill out our online contact form and schedule a free consultation with a maritime lawyer. We take personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency basis.