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

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 near Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. The passenger, who held British-Czech nationality, reportedly lost control of the watercraft, leading to a collision with a rock.

Emergency responders were quick to arrive on the scene, but despite their efforts, the local doctor pronounced her dead shortly after. The Nieuw Amsterdam, operated by Holland America Line, had embarked from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 16, carrying over 2,000 guests. This unfortunate event took place during a scheduled stop at the private island of Half Moon Cay.

In the wake of the accident, Holland America Line extended its condolences to the family and is providing them with support. Meanwhile, Bahamian authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

The incident also caused delays for the Nieuw Amsterdam‘s return to Port Everglades, resulting in the postponement of embarkation for the next scheduled cruise. The next boarding began at 4:30 p.m. on March 23, with departure now set for 8 p.m.

This tragedy highlights the risks associated with personal watercraft activities and underscores the necessity for robust safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. For more information about the Nieuw Amsterdam and related incidents, refer to the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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