A tragic jet ski accident claimed the life of a cruise passenger at Half Moon Cay, Carnival Corporation’s private island in the Bahamas, on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
The victim, identified as a British/Czechoslovakian national, reportedly lost control of the jet ski and collided with a rock.
Despite immediate medical assistance, the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident is under investigation, with authorities reviewing the safety protocols for jet ski excursions on the island.
Authorities have revealed the woman’s nationality but have kept further details, including her identity, under wraps as the investigation continues.
The woman is believed to have been a passenger onboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, which was the only ship docked at Half Moon Cay on the day of the accident.
A recent Reddit thread features a user who claimed to be a passenger of a HAL vessel that visited Half Moon Cay over the weekend.
“We are onboard the ship after a guest was tragically killed on a jet ski yesterday in Half Moon Cay,” the message board reads.
“The captain and staff have been wonderful [in] handling the crisis and assisting guests who need help changing their flights home due to the six-hour delay.”
Potential Impact on Cruise Itineraries
Due to the accident, Nieuw Amsterdam’s return to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale was delayed, resulting in postponed embarkation for the ship’s next sailing.
Passengers originally scheduled to board on Sunday, March 23, were informed that embarkation would begin at 4:30 pm, with departure pushed back to 8 pm.
Guests onboard the delayed sailing were offered complimentary internet access to adjust their travel plans, while those using Holland America’s Flight Ease program had their flights automatically rebooked.
Despite the delay, Nieuw Amsterdam’s subsequent 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, which includes stops at Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Half Moon Cay, is expected to proceed as scheduled.
However, depending on the outcome of the investigation, future jet ski excursions at Half Moon Cay may be subject to review or suspension.
The tragic accident took place only three months after another jet ski-related incident occurred in the Bahamas.
Last December, a Royal Caribbean passenger sustained spinal fractures and permanent injuries after two jet skis collided, prompting the guest to sue Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for over $5 million.
