US Current Events

Cruise ship fatality

Blaze breaks out aboard U.S. cruise ship, 1 dead
A fire broke out today on the Jamaica-bound Star Princess cruise ship, and one person died of a heart attack, according to cruise line officials. Two people suffered significant smoke inhalation and nine others had "minor complications from smoke inhalation," said a statement from Princess Cruises, which is owned by Carnival Corp. The Star Princess, with 3,813 passengers and crew, was en route to Montego Bay, Jamaica, after departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, the cruise line said. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Two people suffered significant smoke inhalation and nine others had "minor complications from smoke inhalation," said a statement from Princess Cruises, which is owned by Carnival Corp.
The Star Princess, with 3,813 passengers and crew, was en route to Montego Bay, Jamaica, after departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, Princess said.
"We are currently completing a full passenger check to account for all passengers and crew," the statement said.
The fire began around 3:10 a.m. in the passenger accommodations, according to the cruise line.
Princess: Flames extinguished
The flames were extinguished but smoke lingers, Princess said, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.
Officials said the vessel was carrying 2,690 passengers and 1,123 crew.
The blaze affected passenger decks 9 through 12, about 100 cabins, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Ryan Doss.
The Princess statement said, "Passengers were immediately notified of the fire using the public address system and requested to report to their muster stations."
Family members of passengers can call 1-800-693-7222 for information.
The Coast Guard said it is sending a fire protection engineer, an inspector and an investigating officer to Montego Bay to begin an investigation into the incident.

posted by scubabri @ 10:32 AM