More terrible news from the cruise line industry, this time the apparent drowning of a 10 year old girl aboard the Norwegian Gem as it sailed from New York to Florida and the Bahamas. The accident occurred as the ship was sailing off the coast of South Carolina. The ship then sailed to Port Canaveral, Florida.
The cruise line confirmed the death of the young girl in a statement.
“We are extremely saddened to have learned that a guest passed away on Sunday aboard the Norwegian Gem,” said the statement emailed by Vanessa Picariello, a spokeswoman for Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Lines.
“On Sunday afternoon, the ship’s medical team responded to an emergency call from the pool deck, as a ten-year-old female guest was reported unresponsive. The team quickly administered CPR and full emergency care. After extensive efforts, the guest could not be revived. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family during this very difficult time. Norwegian’s care team is providing full assistance and support to the family,” the statement said.
Drowning not uncommon on cruise ships
Though news like this is just awful for those involved, drownings on cruise ships are not uncommon with numerous reports filed each year (of both drownings and life altering near drownings). In January 2015, a young boy was seriously injured after nearly drowning on the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas. For younger children, drowning is still one of the most common causes of death.