Fire aboard a Princess Cruise ship!

[lauren0309]

Just heard on CNN that a fire broke out aboard a Princess Cruise Ship headed towards Montego Bay,Jamaica. These cruise ships are getting so much publicity lately.

[lauren0309]

From what I hear 120 cabins were destroyed. Those poor people!

[Laurie12820]

Check out the thread on the Princess Board. One poster said her mother is on the boat.

[Twinsmomct]

3/23/2006

Statement on Star Princess

 

 

This morning at approximately 3:10 am local time, as Star Princess was en route from Grand Cayman to Montego Bay, a fire broke out in the passenger accommodations, and spread to adjacent cabins. Passengers were immediately notified of the fire using the public address system and requested to report to their muster stations. We are currently completing a full passenger check to account for all passengers and crew.

The fire is now out, however there is still residual smoke throughout the affected area. The cause of the fire at this time is unknown.

The ship is carrying a total of 2,690 passengers and 1,123 crew members.

A full damage assessment is being carried out at this point.

Authorities were immediately contacted regarding the incident and we continue to work closely with all relevant parties.

Star Princess sailed from Fort Lauderdale on March 19 on a western Caribbean itinerary with calls at Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and Princess Cays.

A special number has been set up for inquiries from immediate family of passengers who are currently onboard: 1-800-693-7222.

[MargaritaPlease]

I bet someone brought a travel iron on-board.

[nfused2cruze]

Sad news - Here's the thread on Princess

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=319257

[furchic]

oh my... there was a fire on a Princess ship and one person died of heart attack.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/03/23/ship.fire/index.html

[Schplinky]

I should think it would be terribly frightening to be called to muster stations in the middle of the night.

[Florida Gator]

His is another story on this.

 

SCARY!

 

 

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CRUISE_SHIP_FIRE?SITE=7219&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-03-23-10-55-42

[Florida Gator]

His is another story on this.

 

SCARY!

 

 

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CRUISE_SHIP_FIRE?SITE=7219&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-03-23-10-55-42

[kelly in md]

This was posted somewhere else. I just happened to run into it looking for something else online. Looks very scary.

[Cruisechick82]

This article shows a picture of the damage: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11975460/

 

Very scary!

[kelly in md]

Sorry, apparently I don't know how to post a picture. :( By the looks of this it is very bad. I would say the estimate of 120 cabins burned out must be correct by this. Again, sorry for my stupidity! I would post the link if knew where I got it. I have the pic saved to my desktop if anyone knows how or wants it.

[kelly in md]

Thank you Cruisechick! That is the same picture I saw. I see now that I should have included it as an attachment. This site is moving so slowly for me today that I just gave up. My thoughts are with those cruisers and their families.

[Schplinky]

The fire is now being reported as having begun with a cigarette.

[megessey]

I really hope that this incident wasn't caused by someone's neglect -- especially from a careless flick of a cigarette. I wonder if it was that, will they prosecute the offenders?

 

This just breaks my heart -- I feel for all the passengers, especially the family who lost a loved one.

[megessey]

Oops! I hadn't seen Schplinky's post before i wrote mine. I am really upset about this now! If its true, I am curious what will happen to the person who did this....

[RobNC2001]

Wow. Definitely makes you take those muster drills a bit more seriously.

[AFT_LOVER]

Remarks of Dan Hanrahan President of Celebrity Cruises - As Prepared - Regarding Millennium Press Conference March 23, 2006 - 9 a.m. EST

MIAMI, March 23 /Fox News/ -- * Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.* It is my sad duty to report that a significant and tragic incident involving guests from Celebrity Cruises' Millennium occurred yesterday at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time (3:30 p.m. Eastern Time) in a remote area about 28 miles northeast of Arica, Chile.

 

* Before I begin, let me assure everyone watching and listening today that all of us at Celebrity Cruises are doing everything possible to assist guests and family members affected by this terrible event. Although this situation continues to evolve, we will now share with you what we have been able to confirm to this point. Let me also assure you that we will continue to provide you updates as additional facts become known.

 

* Now, here's what we do know at this time:

 

* Fourteen guests from Celebrity Cruises' Millennium who were riding in a bus operated by an independent tour operator not affiliated with our cruise line were involved in an accident about 28 miles northeast of Arica, Chile. According to reports, the guests were returning from Lauca National Park on an independent, private tour they had arranged.

 

* We understand at this time that the bus in which they were riding swerved to avoid an approaching truck on a rugged mountain highway. The bus apparently ran off the road and plunged 300 feet down a mountainside.

 

* 12 guests on the bus were killed, and two other guests were injured in the accident. Reports indicate that the Chilean driver of the bus and the tour guide also were injured.

 

* The guests who were involved in the accident are part of a larger, 64- person B'nai B'rith group. Celebrity Cruises is consulting with a rabbi to advise us on how best to support the families.

 

* Responders to the accident scene transported the injured to the Arica Juan Noah Hospital for treatment. It is my understanding that the two injured guests are now in stable condition and have been moved to an ICU unit as a precaution. In a few moments, Dr. Lynn can address any questions you may have about their condition.

 

* Upon learning of the accident, Millennium's captain dispatched a physician, nurse and concierge to the hospital to assist the injured and local medical personnel.

 

* Celebrity Cruises also notified the U.S. Consulate, U.S. Coast Guard and Bahamian authorities. The company is now working in close coordination with those entities, as well as Chilean authorities, to assist the injured and the families of those killed or injured in the accident.

 

* I want to assure everyone that all of us at Celebrity Cruises are doing whatever we can to assist in the investigation now under way. And, we will continue to do so as that investigation continues to unfold.

 

* Millennium departed Valparaiso, Chile, March 19 on a 14-night sailing that is scheduled to conclude in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 2. Yesterday's accident occurred on the fourth day of the cruise and at the first port call. Millennium was carrying 1,536 guests and 920 crew members on this particular sailing.

 

* Millennium was scheduled to leave Arica last night at 7 p.m. local time for its next port call at Lima, Peru, on Friday. In an effort to assist authorities and allow any guests who wish to depart the ship, we have postponed Millennium's departure from Arica until about 9 a.m. local time today.

 

* This morning, the ship will conduct a service onboard for guests who wish to pay their respect to those involved in the accident. We also have opened all phone lines and Internet access to guests onboard Millennium so they can communicate with their friends and loved ones to apprise them of their safety.

 

* The ship's physician, nurse and concierge dispatched to the hospital will remain in Arica to assist Chilean medical personnel, as well as family members of those guests involved in the accident.

* Celebrity Cruises has established two toll-free telephone lines for family members of guests sailing on Millennium for this cruise. Please let me emphasize that these numbers are for family members ONLY. Callers in North America should dial 1-888-829-4050. Again, that number is 1-888-829-4050.

 

* Callers from outside North America should call the following number collect: 305-539-4050. Again, callers from outside North America should call collect: 305-539-4050.

 

* Let me repeat that these numbers are for family members only, and we are requesting that the general public not call them. This will allow families of those onboard Millennium to receive the information they need in a timely manner.

 

* I would also ask that the media and others respect the privacy of our guests, crew and their families as the authorities work to determine the cause of this terrible accident. These individuals need some time and space to begin to deal with the situation.

 

* In transit to Arica is a special-assistance team from our Miami headquarters led by our Vice President for Marine Operations, John Krousouloudis. The rabbi also is with this team. These team members will be on the scene at about 11 a.m. local time to render whatever assistance possible.

 

* At this time, Celebrity Cruises is flying family members of those involved in the accident, and who choose to go, to Chile. We are not disclosing the departure locations of these flights to provide these family members the privacy they need during this painful, enormously difficult time.

 

* I would like to add that Celebrity Cruises is, at this point, unable to provide the names of the guests who were involved in this terrible accident out of respect for their families. As I said, some of those family members are in the air now, on their way to identify their loved ones.

 

* At this moment, all of us share the pain and anguish of this terrible event. We are devastated. On behalf of everyone at Celebrity Cruises, I'd like to extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone whose lives have been touched by this tragedy.

 

* Our first concern and primary focus remains with those people touched in some way by this terrible event. I pledge that Celebrity Cruises will do whatever we can to help find the answers we all want ... and need. I also promise that I -- and all other members of our senior-management team -- will remain personally involved in efforts to find those answers.

 

* Thank you. At this time, I will now turn things over to Dr. Lynn from Jackson Memorial Hospital.

 

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

CONTACT: Michael Sheehan, Celebrity Cruises, +1-305-539-6573

 

THEN about 11AM Fox News breaks in with their BULLETIN 5/23 and announces that the Star Princess is on fire. Details are very few but we have been told that the fire started in a passenger cabin & spread to 4 others.

At 1PM Star Princess arrived in Montego Bay Jamaica to MBC brocasting on MSNBC & Fox News. There I saw 1/3 of center of port side BLACK! Balconies & glass doors all gone, melted away. 130 stateroom torched!!!!!! That is a major renovation in drydock. Hope the passenger is paying for it. 1 killed 11 injured with 2 in the hospital. All those rooms with clothing torched or really stinky, the water damage alone to the lowest balcony floor that is OK but had 4 decks of burning going on & they were flooded. All those passengers that maybe wanting to exit the ship since they have nowhere to sleep, no clothes, nothing!!!!!!

I know since we were on Ecstacy when the laundry room caught on fire due to non removal of lint from filter in dryer. They refused to pay for clothing, luggage, and we had no insurance (our first cruise that was our last for 5 years). They did nothing for the passengers who were all in the front of the ship black as coal. We had no stateroom since it was burnt being next door. And they were sold out!

But at least Fox has kept mentioning that RCCL/Celebrity is not responsible for this van crash since it was not an excursion bought thru the cruiseline that they have inspected, etc.

These folks were from a NJ Synagoge that got them the trip. A real disaster when you see the Mercedes van. But the drive lived to tell police that he avoided a head on with a large truck and the road ended & the mountains edge took over.

Bet you the Smith will show to get their air time............

[raytownlady]

while I'm sure no one intended to start this fire it is none the less a horrible accident. I'm not a smoker so I don't know the answer? is smoking allowed in the cabins? My prayers go out to the families of those passangers/crew injured. I would have been terrified.

[AFT_LOVER]

Remarks of Dan Hanrahan President of Celebrity Cruises - As Prepared - Regarding Millennium Press Conference March 23, 2006 - 9 a.m. EST

MIAMI, March 23 /Fox News/ -- * Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.* It is my sad duty to report that a significant and tragic incident involving guests from Celebrity Cruises' Millennium occurred yesterday at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time (3:30 p.m. Eastern Time) in a remote area about 28 miles northeast of Arica, Chile.

 

* Before I begin, let me assure everyone watching and listening today that all of us at Celebrity Cruises are doing everything possible to assist guests and family members affected by this terrible event. Although this situation continues to evolve, we will now share with you what we have been able to confirm to this point. Let me also assure you that we will continue to provide you updates as additional facts become known.

 

* Now, here's what we do know at this time:

 

* Fourteen guests from Celebrity Cruises' Millennium who were riding in a bus operated by an independent tour operator not affiliated with our cruise line were involved in an accident about 28 miles northeast of Arica, Chile. According to reports, the guests were returning from Lauca National Park on an independent, private tour they had arranged.

 

* We understand at this time that the bus in which they were riding swerved to avoid an approaching truck on a rugged mountain highway. The bus apparently ran off the road and plunged 300 feet down a mountainside.

 

* 12 guests on the bus were killed, and two other guests were injured in the accident. Reports indicate that the Chilean driver of the bus and the tour guide also were injured.

 

* The guests who were involved in the accident are part of a larger, 64- person B'nai B'rith group. Celebrity Cruises is consulting with a rabbi to advise us on how best to support the families.

 

* Responders to the accident scene transported the injured to the Arica Juan Noah Hospital for treatment. It is my understanding that the two injured guests are now in stable condition and have been moved to an ICU unit as a precaution. In a few moments, Dr. Lynn can address any questions you may have about their condition.

 

* Upon learning of the accident, Millennium's captain dispatched a physician, nurse and concierge to the hospital to assist the injured and local medical personnel.

 

* Celebrity Cruises also notified the U.S. Consulate, U.S. Coast Guard and Bahamian authorities. The company is now working in close coordination with those entities, as well as Chilean authorities, to assist the injured and the families of those killed or injured in the accident.

 

* I want to assure everyone that all of us at Celebrity Cruises are doing whatever we can to assist in the investigation now under way. And, we will continue to do so as that investigation continues to unfold.

 

* Millennium departed Valparaiso, Chile, March 19 on a 14-night sailing that is scheduled to conclude in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 2. Yesterday's accident occurred on the fourth day of the cruise and at the first port call. Millennium was carrying 1,536 guests and 920 crew members on this particular sailing.

 

* Millennium was scheduled to leave Arica last night at 7 p.m. local time for its next port call at Lima, Peru, on Friday. In an effort to assist authorities and allow any guests who wish to depart the ship, we have postponed Millennium's departure from Arica until about 9 a.m. local time today.

 

* This morning, the ship will conduct a service onboard for guests who wish to pay their respect to those involved in the accident. We also have opened all phone lines and Internet access to guests onboard Millennium so they can communicate with their friends and loved ones to apprise them of their safety.

 

* The ship's physician, nurse and concierge dispatched to the hospital will remain in Arica to assist Chilean medical personnel, as well as family members of those guests involved in the accident.

* Celebrity Cruises has established two toll-free telephone lines for family members of guests sailing on Millennium for this cruise. Please let me emphasize that these numbers are for family members ONLY. Callers in North America should dial 1-888-829-4050. Again, that number is 1-888-829-4050.

 

* Callers from outside North America should call the following number collect: 305-539-4050. Again, callers from outside North America should call collect: 305-539-4050.

 

* Let me repeat that these numbers are for family members only, and we are requesting that the general public not call them. This will allow families of those onboard Millennium to receive the information they need in a timely manner.

 

* I would also ask that the media and others respect the privacy of our guests, crew and their families as the authorities work to determine the cause of this terrible accident. These individuals need some time and space to begin to deal with the situation.

 

* In transit to Arica is a special-assistance team from our Miami headquarters led by our Vice President for Marine Operations, John Krousouloudis. The rabbi also is with this team. These team members will be on the scene at about 11 a.m. local time to render whatever assistance possible.

 

* At this time, Celebrity Cruises is flying family members of those involved in the accident, and who choose to go, to Chile. We are not disclosing the departure locations of these flights to provide these family members the privacy they need during this painful, enormously difficult time.

 

* I would like to add that Celebrity Cruises is, at this point, unable to provide the names of the guests who were involved in this terrible accident out of respect for their families. As I said, some of those family members are in the air now, on their way to identify their loved ones.

 

* At this moment, all of us share the pain and anguish of this terrible event. We are devastated. On behalf of everyone at Celebrity Cruises, I'd like to extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone whose lives have been touched by this tragedy.

 

* Our first concern and primary focus remains with those people touched in some way by this terrible event. I pledge that Celebrity Cruises will do whatever we can to help find the answers we all want ... and need. I also promise that I -- and all other members of our senior-management team -- will remain personally involved in efforts to find those answers.

 

* Thank you. At this time, I will now turn things over to Dr. Lynn from Jackson Memorial Hospital.

 

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

CONTACT: Michael Sheehan, Celebrity Cruises, +1-305-539-6573

 

THEN about 11AM Fox News breaks in with their BULLETIN 5/23 and announces that the Star Princess is on fire. Details are very few but we have been told that the fire started in a passenger cabin & spread to 4 others.

At 1PM Star Princess arrived in Montego Bay Jamaica to MBC brocasting on MSNBC & Fox News. There I saw 1/3 of center of port side BLACK! Balconies & glass doors all gone, melted away. 130 stateroom torched!!!!!! That is a major renovation in drydock. Hope the passenger is paying for it. 1 killed 11 injured with 2 in the hospital. All those rooms with clothing torched or really stinky, the water damage alone to the lowest balcony floor that is OK but had 4 decks of burning going on & they were flooded. All those passengers that maybe wanting to exit the ship since they have nowhere to sleep, no clothes, nothing!!!!!!

I know since we were on Ecstacy when the laundry room caught on fire due to non removal of lint from filter in dryer. They refused to pay for clothing, luggage, and we had no insurance (our first cruise that was our last for 5 years). They did nothing for the passengers who were all in the front of the ship black as coal. We had no stateroom since it was burnt being next door. And they were sold out!

But at least Fox has kept mentioning that RCCL/Celebrity is not responsible for this van crash since it was not an excursion bought thru the cruiseline that they have inspected, etc.

These folks were from a NJ Synagoge that got them the trip. A real disaster when you see the Mercedes van. But the driver lived to tell police that he avoided a head on with a large truck and the road ended & the mountains edge took over.

Bet you the Smiths will show to get their air time............ giving a totally different story blaming RCCL.

[nfused2cruze]

How sad and scary. Two events happening in one week!

 

I wonder if this incident will resurrect the ol' smoking debate? :rolleyes:

[GMoney]

I'm sure it will revive the smoking debate and the "is cruising safe?" debate. Cable shows should have a field day...:(

[Guest cvbart]

The fire is now being reported as having begun with a cigarette.

 

Horace Peterkin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, toured the American ship and said crew members told him the fire apparently started on a balcony of one of the cabins. A cigarette was suspected of causing the fire, Peterkin told The Associated Press.

[Guest cvbart]

The fire is now being reported as having begun with a cigarette.

 

Horace Peterkin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, toured the American ship and said crew members told him the fire apparently started on a balcony of one of the cabins. A cigarette was suspected of causing the fire, Peterkin told The Associated Press.Horace Peterkin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, toured the American ship and said crew members told him the fire apparently started on a balcony of one of the cabins. A cigarette was suspected of causing the fire, Peterkin told The Associated Press.