Girl Drowns, Cruise Ship Vacation On Norwegian Gym’s Caribbean Trip Becomes Nightmare

After a girl drowns, cruise ship officers said they turned the Norwegian Gem away from their caribbean cruise vacation and headed straight to the nearest port at Port Canaveral, Florida. Few details are available at this time, but it is believed the little 10-year-old girl drowned in the cruise ship’s swimming pool on the top deck.

In a related report by the Inquisitr, a Disney cruise line passenger had to be airlifted to shore after sustaining injuries aboard the ship. A woman plead guilty to leaving a baby on a cruise ship to die.

“We are extremely saddened to have learned that a guest passed away on Sunday aboard the Norwegian Gem,” Vanessa Picariello, a spokeswoman for Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Lines, said in a statement.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn provided very little explanation to the Associated Press for why the girl drowned. Cruise ship authorities say the accident took place Sunday afternoon aboard the Norwegian Gem while it was heading toward the Bahamas. The Caribbean cruise vacation had originated at New York, and at the time of the drowning incident, they were 75 miles east of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“On Sunday afternoon, the ship’s medical team responded to an emergency call from the pool deck, as a 10-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,” the Norwegian Cruise Line representatives explained, according to BT. “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.”

Reports did not specify the area on the Norwegian gym where the drowning took place. The Caribbean cruise ship does provide a swimming area on the cruise deck that is intended for younger children, although it is possible the girl drowned in the cruise ship’s pool that are intended for older children and adults.

After the girl drowns, cruise ship officers contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and then redirected the Norwegian Gym toward Port Canaveral. The Caribbean cruise ship arrived at about noon on Monday, and authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of the girl’s drowning.

Authorities have not released the name of the little girl or the names of her family. According to WESH, Picariello says cruise officials are “extremely saddened” and extend “deepest sympathies to the family.”

[Image via Norwegian Cruise Lines]