Bahamas police investigate cruise ship death

PORT CANAVERAL, UNITED STATES: Cruise ships Disney's Wonder (L) and Carnival's Fantasy (R) head for sea 02 September, 2004, from Port Canaveral, Florida. / BRUCE WEAVER/AFP/Getty Images

NASSAU, Bahamas - Authorities in the Bahamas say a 26-year-old U.S. tourist has died aboard a Carnival cruise ship and the cruise has been delayed pending the investigation.

Bahamas police said in a statement Saturday that a man from South Carolina apparently jumped from one floor to another aboard the Carnival Fantasy ship that had docked in Nassau late Friday. He was declared dead at the scene.

Carnival issued a statement saying the guest apparently fell. They said the ship's visit to Freeport on Saturday has been canceled as the investigation continues.

In a statement sent to CBS News, Carnival said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and extend our heartfelt condolences to the guest's family and loved ones."

Officials did not release the man's name or home town.

The ship departed Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday for a five-day Bahamas cruise. It is still scheduled to return to Charleston Monday.

[barbpellburl]

i was on this ship my first cruise ever i came in from pool area and saw this man on the floor of atrium i could see he was dead i will never forget the look on his face as he was rolled over and whisked away. my heart goes out to the family as a fun vacation turns to tradgedy.i talked to his friends by the pool as they heard the news. horrible accident is what it was

[deb708]

I was on this cruise and it was very disturbing to hear about this the next morning. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young man. I have to admit that I felt guilty for having a good time after that, I can't imagine how this family must have felt. They were on our minds the remainder of the cruise and I believe this young man's cabin was a few doors down from ours...a constant reminder. There was no clear explanation or details given to the passengers and a lot of speculation and rumors were spread. Whatever the case, it was a tragedy and I wish that the people complaining about missing out on getting to our next Port (Freeport) would try and put the shoe on the other foot. The big picture is that a life was tragically lost and you should be thankful that you and yours are safe. And for those with their hands out waiting for compensation from Carnival, Shame on you. Where is your compassion? I couldn't believe that so many people were complaining that they should be compensated or given a free cruise for this! I was disapointed not to be going to the other island too but I refuse to seek any gain from this man's death. This was my first cruise and will always have this memory. I now see how dangerous ships can be if you are not mindful of your behavior. Safety must always be the first consideration. I hope the family can move on from this somehow. I wish them all the best!

[JessRN06]

My mother is currently aboard this ship. The ship was delayed in Nassau before the man's death occurred because of a "mechanical error." Apparently the Fantasy was pulling out of port as another ship decided to pull anchor and the Fantasy's propellers sucked the anchor in and caused major mechanical problems. This trip had been a nightmare for my family that is aboard the ship as well as those of us awaiting their safe return. It has caused great worry with the recent ship wreck in Italy. I pray for the young man's family, and the safe return of my family.

[sd92129]

Gives new meaning to the term "jumped ship".

[cabrahamson86]

I am glad you are getting a chuckle from this when his family and friends (including myself) is going through a tragic moment & is reading this article. Thank you for your concern.

[FormerUSMCSergeant]

PORT CANAVERAL, UNITED STATES: Cruise ships Disney's Wonder (L) and Carnival's Fantasy (R) head for sea 02 September, 2004, from Port Canaveral, Florida. (BRUCE WEAVER/AFP/Getty Images)
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Not hardly as one is obviously heading TOWARDS port and the other AWAY from port.

Geez, there are some really stupid people writing these captions, eh?

[SukmyBollix]

I suggest you take a closer look at the picture as both ships are steaming in the same direction .As a Former Marine I would have thought you would know the pointy end is at the front of the ship.The prop wash is clearly visible on both vessels ,as a Former Marine you should know the Prop wash is at the stern of a ship while underway.. ( Stern is the back end ,Bow is the pointy end in case you forgot former Sargeant)

[FormerUSMCSergeant]

I stand corrected.

The Disney ship has a pointed stern which is decpetive.

[askagain]

Did the guy jump from one deck to another or did he fall? Two contradictory statements without explanation.

[barbpellburl]

when he jumped he missed that floor and fell to the 7th he was jumping from 9 to 8