Carnival Cruises Lines confirmed that on Sunday, October 13, a six-year old boy drowned in the mid-ship pool onboard Carnival Victory, while the ship was at sea. The incident occurred during a four-day cruise from PortMiami.
The young child was at the pool with other family members at the time of the incident. In a statement, Carnival said it "extends its heartfelt sympathy to the family during this very difficult time." The company’s CareTeam is providing assistance and support.
The Miami-Dade Police Department is investigating and identified the child as Qwentyn Hunter of Winter Garden, FL. Apparently, he was with his 10-year-old brother in the pool when the tragic situation occurred.
People pulled the child from the water and started CPR, but the six-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say foul play was not involved.
Carnival Victory docked at PortMiami early today, following the weekend cruise.
Typically, cruise line pools and many hotel pools don't have lifeguards. Signs say "Swim at Your Own Risk." Earlier this year, another young child nearly drowned in the pool onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship.