Tragic Jet Ski Accident Claims Life of HAL Cruise Passenger at Half Moon Cay

A tragic incident occurred on March 22, 2025, when a 73-year-old female passenger aboard the cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam lost her life in a jet ski accident at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. The passenger, a British-Czech national, tragically lost control of the watercraft, leading to a collision with a rock. Despite immediate medical attention from first responders, she was pronounced dead by a local doctor.

The Nieuw Amsterdam, operated by Holland America Line (HAL), had set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 16 with over 2,000 guests. The accident took place while the ship was docked at its planned stop at Half Moon Cay. In response to the incident, Holland America Line expressed its condolences and is offering support to the victim’s family. Authorities in the Bahamas are currently conducting an investigation into the accident.

Due to the incident and ongoing investigation, the Nieuw Amsterdam faced delays in its return to Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. As a result, the embarkation for the next scheduled cruise was postponed, with boarding starting at 4:30 p.m. on March 23, and the updated departure time moved to 8 p.m.

This event highlights the dangers associated with personal watercraft use and emphasizes the need for strict safety measures to avert similar tragedies in the future.

For further details about incidents involving the Nieuw Amsterdam, visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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