Princess Cruise Passenger Dies While Snorkeling Near Belize

Cruise Hive is sad to report that a female passenger from the U.S. has died while snorkeling just off the coast of Belize.

67-year-old Janice Mittelstadt from South Dakota was doing a shore excursion from Caribbean Princess on January 7. The ship which is operated by Princess Cruises was making a port of call at Belize. The woman was snorkeling at Sergeants Caye where visitors can experience one of the world’s most famous barrier reefs.

Authorities have said that the woman was snorkeling near the Caye and then suddenly went under the water. By the time she was pulled out it was too late and she was sadly pronounced dead. CPR was done by those who pulled her out but there was no response.

Caribbean Princess called at Belize from 7 am until 5 pm. The 113,000 gross ton vessel is sailing a 7-day western Caribbean cruise which departed Houston, Texas on January 3. The ship is scheduled back on January 10. Other port of calls include Cozumel and Roatan.