Brit cruise passenger, 73, killed on Bahamas holiday after smashing jet ski into rock
The woman was a passenger on the Holland America cruiseliner Nieuw Amsterdam and died on Saturday while visiting a private island as part of a two-week tour of the Caribbean
A British tourist has died in an accident after her jet ski smashed into a rock while she was on holiday in the Bahamas. Investigators say that the 73-year-old woman, whose identity has not been released so far, is thought to have "lost control" of the watercraft before it then "collided with a rock".
The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed the tragic incident happened on Saturday at Half Moon Cay, a private island known for its "white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon and untouched nature". Despite efforts to save her from medical staff, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation is now under way by Bahamian authorities. It was found that the victim was a passenger on the Holland America cruise liner Nieuw Amsterdam and was a dual British-Czechia national.
The cruise line contacted the woman's family and said it is doing everything possible to support them during the difficult period. The ship was docked at the island - an exclusive destination for Carnival and Holland America passengers - on the seventh day of its two-week itinerary around the eastern and western Caribbean islands.
It had left Fort Lauderdale in the US on March 16 and usually hosts more than 2,000 guests. The Nieuw Amsterdam has continued its route and is due to dock in Jamaica on today before stopping at Grand Cayman Island, Mexico and returning to Florida on Sunday.
Police were called out to the RelaxAway private beach club shortly after 1pm when the island manager alerted them of what had just happened. Their initial investigation found that the woman had lost control of the jet ski and hit a rock.
They added further in a statement: "Medical personnel rendered assistance to the victim but to no avail. She was pronounced deceased by the local medical doctor." While Holland America told People Magazine it "regrets too confirm that a passenger onboard Nieuw Amsterdam passed away following a tragic incident on a personal watercraft".
The statement added: "The guest, a 73-year-old woman, died on March 22 while the ship was calling at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas. We are in contact with the guest's family and doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time.
"The accident is currently being investigated by the Bahamian authorities. Out of respect for the family and guest, we do not have any further information to share."
Half Moon Cay is a private crescent-shaped island and is due to be upgraded next year. It has also held the title of 'Best Private Island' for 20 years running, according to the cruise line.
The island is known for its 'beauty and amenities', including snorkelling, kayaking and nature walks. While both Holland America and Carnival say that Half Moon Cay is a highlight for cruise passengers "seeking tranquillity or adventure".