Miami - (AFP) - The Bahamas authorities announced Friday that the bodies of three American tourists who died in mysterious circumstances had been found in a luxury hotel.
"It is with regret that I have been informed of the death of three American visitors, two men and a woman, at a hotel in Exuma," Deputy Premier Chester Cooper said in a statement.

He added, "The police are investigating and the cause of death is unknown," but "there is no suspicion that what happened was a criminal act."

The official added that a fourth American woman was airlifted to the hospital, without elaborating.

The incident took place at Sandals Emerald Bay, a luxury beachfront hotel on Great Exuma Island.

Sandals Resorts commented, "A health emergency was initially reported, and as per our protocols, we immediately alerted healthcare professionals and local authorities," refusing to provide further details "out of respect for the privacy of our guests."

Shortly after 9 am (1 pm GMT) Friday, police said they were informed that an "unconscious" man had been found at the hotel.
As soon as they arrived, investigators found an unconscious man on the ground in one of the villas, and the police explained that "no traces of shock were detected," and the victim was declared dead shortly thereafter.
In a second villa, the police found another man "stretched near a wall," as well as a woman lying on a bed and dead. The police added that this couple complained of suffering from a "disease" the day before and were "treated" before returning to their place of residence, without specifying the nature of the "illness".
Investigators said they are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of the mysterious deaths.