by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Mon March 25, 2024
Two Holland America Line cruise members died as a result of an accidental steam release aboard Nieuw Amsterdam on Friday, reports USA Today.
The ship was docked at the private island destination of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas when the accident occurred in the ship’s engineering area, according to the Associated Press.
The incident occurred on the last day of a 7-night cruise that had departed from Fort Lauderdale on March 16.
After the accident, the ship returned to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, then left again on a new cruise on Monday.
Holland America Line has not revealed any other details about the incident, nor about the cruise members who died.
The accident is being investigated by the Bahamas Maritime Authority and the Dutch Safety Board. The cruise line has made counseling available to other crew members.
“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time,” according to a statement from the company. “The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority.”
Guests sailing aboard the ship said the captain announced the deaths over the loudspeaker.
"(The captain) broke down crying," passenger Laine Doss told USA Today. "There was a moment of silence that the captain requested. And that entire scenario did affect the entire cruise. Things were canceled, joyous events were canceled, and we really just thought about mortality—the people who perished on the ship."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
