A 76-year-old American woman died after getting into difficulty while swimming near Ely’s Harbour in Sandys, police have confirmed.

The tragedy happened on Sunday, despite efforts to save the visitor who had arrived on board the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship.

A spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service said that officers were called to the scene at about 11am and were told that visitors from the ship were swimming when the woman began having difficulty.

He added that other passengers who, along with the woman’s son, had arrived on the island the day before, went to help and moved the senior to a nearby beach.

“They commenced life saving measures and continued until the arrival of emergency medical services personnel, who took over and transported the woman via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by an emergency room doctor a short time later,” the spokesman said.

Police added that foul play was not suspected and it was confirmed that the woman’s death was the result of a pre-existing medical condition.

The Norwegian Cruise Line said: “We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests who became unresponsive while snorkelling in Bermuda on June 14, 2026.

“The coastguard responded to the emergency and provided immediate assistance. Unfortunately, the guest was unable to be revived.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.”

• UPDATE: this article has been updated with a comment from Norwegian Cruise Line