An 83-year-old American tourist died last Sunday after a suspected drowning while snorkeling in Great Stirrup Cay, a private island operated by Norwegian Cruise Line in the Bahamas.

According to Royal Bahamas Police Force, the incident occurred during the afternoon while the visitor was participating in water activities in the area, reported Fox News Digital.

Water separation and alert

According to the police report, the man was accompanied by his son when they were momentarily separated in the water. It was then that the family member noticed that the older adult was not responding and had lost his snorkel mask.

The son requested help immediately upon realizing the situation, which activated the intervention of emergency teams at the place.

Cruise ship medical staff and local rescuers quickly arrived to assist the tourist. However, despite resuscitation efforts, it was not possible to save his life.

The vessel involved, the Norwegian Getaway, had docked on the island at 8:00 on the morning of May 3 as part of a three day itinerary.

Company reaction

In a statement, the operating company expressed its regret for the death: “We are saddened by the death of one of our guests, who was unharmed. “He was conscious while snorkeling in the ocean. Our medical team and emergency services provided immediate assistance, but he could not be revived.”

The company also extended its condolences to the relatives of the deceased.

The Bahamian authorities maintain an investigation open to clarify the exact circumstances of the event, although the preliminary reports point to a accidental drowning.