Tragedy Strikes Bahamas Tourist Ferry: 75-Year-Old Woman Dead After Vessel Sinks

A horrifying incident unfolded off the coast of the Bahamas as a double-decker ferry, sank, leaving a 75-year-old American woman dead.

A horrifying incident unfolded Nov. 14 in the azure waters off the coast of the Bahamas as a double-decker ferry, carrying cruise ship passengers to the scenic Blue Lagoon Island, sank, leaving a 75-year-old American woman dead, reported USA Today.

The calamity occurred as the ferry departed Paradise Island, Nassau, en route to Blue Lagoon Island, a tourist destination about three miles northeast of the Bahamas capital.

“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,” stated Police Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings to the Nassau Guardian.

@kellyswitz
our ferry went down on our way to Blue Lagoon #shipwreck #boat #boatsinking #bluelagoon #bahamas #ferry
♬ original sound – Kelly Schissel

With approximately 100 passengers on board, the ferry left Paradise Island around 9:30 a.m. The distressing scene was captured in a TikTok video by Kelly Schissel, an American tourist on board, who exclaimed, “Our boat is sinking. Everybody is freaking out.”

In the video, passengers wearing orange life vests can be seen clinging to one side of the ferry as it tips into the turquoise Caribbean waters. Chaos ensues, with screams and shouting in the background.

Schissel, in a follow-up video, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that as the water began pouring into the boat, passengers awaited instructions from the crew, who allegedly provided none. Consequently, when someone jumped into the rough waters, others followed suit, donning life jackets and swimming to a nearby boat. The evacuation continued until additional boats arrived for the rescue effort.

Despite swift action from emergency teams at Blue Lagoon Island, tragedy struck, claiming the life of a 75-year-old woman from Colorado. Her identity and cause of death remain undisclosed at present.

The ferry was reportedly approaching Blue Lagoon Island when the incident occurred. Passengers and five staff members were safely brought to the island, with two passengers requiring hospitalization.

In a statement, Blue Lagoon Island indicated that the passengers on the ferry were from a cruise ship. The U.S. Embassy, local authorities, and the cruise ship were promptly alerted about the accident.

As the investigation unfolds, questions about the boat’s seaworthiness and the crew’s response to the emergency remain. The Bahamas, known for its idyllic landscapes, is now grappling with the aftermath of a day meant for leisure.