CRIME

Passenger dies after fall on Jacksonville-based Carnival Elation cruise ship

Dan Scanlan
dscanlan@jacksonville.com
The Carnival Elation tied up at JaxPort’s cruise terminal in 2016. (The Florida Times-Union/Bob Self)

A woman has died after falling from the balcony of the Jacksonville-based Carnival Elation cruise ship, according to the cruise line.

The woman, as yet unidentified, fell from her balcony early Friday out at sea, according to a statement from Carnival spokeswoman Christine de la Huerta.

“A guest fell from her balcony to several decks below,” the statement said. “The ship’s medical team responded immediately, but, unfortunately, she passed away. … Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased and her family.”

Carnival said the incident was reported to “all proper authorities” as a counseling team was made available to fellow travelers and the woman’s family.

The Carnival Elation had departed Thursday from Jacksonville’s cruise ship terminal off Heckscher Drive on a four-day cruise to the Bahamas.