Carnival passenger drowns on Belize cave tubing tour

[KeithnRita]

A Carnival passenger drowned Wednesday in Belize while on a shore excursion booked through the line.

Carnival has not released the name of the passenger, who had arrived in Belize on the Carnival Glory, but the line says it was a 52-year-old woman who was traveling with her husband.

The couple had signed up for a cave tubing tour on Belize's Caves Branch River -- a popular pasttime for cruisers who visit the country.

"The individual was traveling with her spouse who remained in Belize and is currently being accompanied and assisted by a shipboard staff member," the line says in a statement this morning to USA TODAY. "Carnival CareTeam personnel are scheduled to arrive in Belize today." Carnival says it has suspended all future sales of its cave tubing excursion in Belize, and an investigation into the accident is underway. A local news station in Belize, reports that most local tour companies that operate on the Caves Branch River had canceled their trips Wednesday due to poor conditions. "Those who work in the area say the Caves Branch River was too high and that's why most tours were cancelled," the news outlet notes. "But one wasn't and witnesses say around 10:30 they heard screams." The station cited the currents on the river. "Those currents swept (the woman) under a rock where she drowned," the news outlet reported. "They attempted CPR but she was already dead." The 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory departed from Port Canaveral, Fla., on Sept. 20 on a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise and is scheduled to return to Florida on Saturday. "Carnival extends its deepest sympathy to the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time and will continue to offer our full assistance and support," the line says in its statement.

[coloradocruisers]

How tragic for that family.

[coloradocruisers]

I just went back through the bon voyages; and I believe that is the cruise Steve (lashl) is on. I don't know how to roll the Cruise calendar back to see what other members of the forum may have been on that ship.

[cruisetarp]

A very sad story.

[Joanandjoe]

We scheduled river tubing on a stop a few years ago in Dominica, but it was cancelled due to swollen river conditions. It was a disappointment, but this tragedy makes us aware of how lucky we were to have a responsible tour operator. Poor woman! Poor family! Just awful.

[DebbieandJerry]

How tragic and awful for this family.

We were fortunate to go on this excursion in November. While most of the river was tame and not very deep, I can see where deep water and swifter currents could change things.

Lots of prayers tonight.

[jacketwatch]

Terrible news.

[deb1220]

Just awful! How sad for her family

[JoeyandDavid]

what a sad event

[sailingrose]

How sad