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Cruise drama: 22-year-old falls overboard and is seriously injured!
Serious accidents occurred during cruises in the Bahamas: a woman fell overboard and was hit by a ship's propeller, while another passenger died on a boat excursion. The investigation is ongoing.
Cruise drama: 22-year-old falls overboard and is seriously injured!
In the Bahamas, a tragic incident during a cruise left a 22-year-old Tennessee woman, Hannah Smith, seriously injured. The accident occurred when she fell into the water while docking a pontoon boat in Nassau Harbor and was struck by the ship's running propeller. As a result of the incident, both of Hannah's legs were partially severed.
Hannah was on the cruise with her best friend to celebrate her graduation from Miles College in Alabama. She completed her studies with honors at the beginning of May 2025. The Royal Bahamas Police immediately launched an investigation into the accident. This investigation is currently underway, while the exact cause of the accident remains unclear.
Speculations and investigation results
There are different speculations about the circumstances of the accident. Witnesses reported hearing the cry “she jumped,” but Hannah’s mother rejected this account. She emphasized that her daughter was sober and had an unfortunate fall. The treating doctor also found that Hannah was responsive and not intoxicated when she was admitted to the hospital.
The family is now demanding clarification about possible safety deficiencies on board the ship and about the stability of the boat when docked. Hannah has now had her fifth operation and has already required blood transfusions, platelets and dialysis. Her sister regularly provides information about Hannah's health, who recently became conscious shortly before a planned operation.
The family describes Hannah as a committed, sporty and cheerful student. In order to be able to cover the high treatment costs, a GoFundMe campaign was launched. Miles College was shocked and called for support for Hannah and her family.
Similar incidents in the Bahamas
Separate from this incident, a fatal accident occurred on November 15, 2024 on another cruise on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. A 75-year-old passenger died when a local tour operator's boat capsized and sank near Blue Lagoon Island due to stormy seas. The exact circumstances of the accident are still unclear, but it was known that all previous passengers and crew, with the exception of the woman who died in the accident, were rescued.
Royal Caribbean expressed regret over this incident and offered support to the affected families. In view of such tragic events, safety on cruises and excursions is repeatedly questioned. It remains to be seen what findings the ongoing investigation into Hannah Smith's accident will bring.
The Royal Bahamas Police emphasizes the importance of a thorough investigation as the public and family search for answers. The tragedies in the Bahamas cast a shadow over the enjoyment on board and put safety standards at the center of the discussion.