An 83-year-old British man has died aboard the Marella Voyager after being found unresponsive in the ship’s swimming pool while it was docked in Naples, Italy.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, 19th August 2025.
Fellow passengers and crew members attempted to revive the man, but despite their efforts, he could not be saved.
Investigation in Naples
Local authorities boarded the TUI-operated vessel and temporarily detained it while an investigation was carried out.
The ship’s scheduled 5 pm departure was delayed by several hours.
After interviews and examination, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.
It is believed the passenger suffered a medical episode while seated near the pool, causing him to fall into the water.
Officials ruled the death as natural causes, and the ship was released to continue its itinerary.
Cruise Line and Government Response
A spokesperson for Marella Cruises said:
“We can confirm that sadly a passenger passed away of natural causes onboard Marella Voyager. Our thoughts are with the passenger’s family during this difficult time, and our care team is providing assistance.”
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also confirmed it is supporting the man’s family.
Marella Voyager had departed Palma de Mallorca on 16th August and called at Olbia, Sardinia, before arriving in Naples.
The ship is now sailing onward to Rome, Ajaccio (Corsica), Palamós (Spain), and will return to Mallorca at the end of the voyage.
Not The Only Tragedy This Week
The sad news comes just days after two American cruise passengers drowned at Carnival Cruise Line’s newly opened Celebration Key private resort in the Bahamas on Friday, 15th August.
In separate and unrelated incidents, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman lost their lives despite lifeguards and medical staff responding immediately.
Investigations are still ongoing but there is speculation that both guests also suffered unrelated medical issues whilst in the water, causing them to drown.
One guest was snorkelling while the other was swimming in one of the resort’s lagoons.
Carnival confirmed that the victims were travelling on different ships – Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.
Both vessels continued their scheduled itineraries after the incidents, with Carnival’s Care Team providing support to the families.
While rare, such tragedies can occur even in supervised or controlled environments.
Cruise lines urge guests to remain mindful of their own health conditions and swimming abilities, to avoid entering the water alone, and to take care in unfamiliar settings.
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- Two Guests Drown On Same Day At Celebration Key
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- Tragedy At Sea – How Many People Go Missing On Cruise Ships And Why?
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