By Latonya Roberts & Destiny Johnson
Journal Staff Writers

A 75-year-old American woman, who was visiting The Bahamas, died on Tuesday after a boat
she was onboard sank on its way to Blue Lagoon Island.
The Blue Lagoon vessel with crew members and more than 100 passengers took on water and
went down just outside of the Blue Lagoon Island. Although most passengers and members
arrived back to New Providence, some were taken to hospital and unfortunately the 75-year-old
tourist passed away.
Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said around 9:30 a.m. a double deck pleasure craft left
from the ferry dock on Bay Street en route to Blue Lagoon Island.
“It is reported that half hour into the ride the vessel experienced rough seas in the area which
resulted in the boat taking on water and becoming submerged in waters just outside of Blue
Lagoon. As a result of the incident, we have one casualty, a 75-yeard-old American from Blooms
Dale, Colorado. At present, we are in the initial stages of the investigations and as more
information becomes available, we will update you,” Skippings said.
Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy, Suemayah Abu-Douleh, assured the public that the
U.S. Embassy is working with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force,
and Blue Lagoon to obtain further information on the incident. Ms. Abu-Douleh also stated that
the U.S. Embassy wants to show support to American citizens during this time.
“We are out here with the Royal Bahamas Police force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
We’re working with them and with Blue Lagoon to get further details on the incident. We
wanted to make sure our American Citizen services were available for all American citizens who
need support or need any services. We will continue to work with the RBPF to learn more details
about what happened today,” Abu-Douleh said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper, while responding to the
incident, said accidents sometimes happen.
“I’m aware of the incident. I have not been fully briefed and therefore I limit my comments as it
relates to that incident. Clearly, accidents sometimes do happen. This is something that we don’t
like to see for residents or our guests. No doubt the port department is investigating the matter
and if need be, I’ll have more to say on it later,” Cooper said on Tuesday.
Blue Lagoon also released a statement on the incident. Officials said passengers onboard were all
cruise ship guests. Blue Lagoon said the company has notified local authorities, the ship, and the
U.S. Embassy. The company contends that information is still being gathered all and updates
will be given as more information becomes available.