St Lucia News Online is reporting that the 3 crewmembers that were rushed ashore after battling a fire onboard the Insignia this morning, passed away. An additional crew member remains hospitalized.
All passengers were safely evacuated from the ship and her current cruise is canceled.
I am awaiting Oceania’s statement and will update this post once received.
UPDATE: A statement was not readily available on their website. However here’s what they are quoted in the press as saying:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred this morning on Insignia. We have extended our heartfelt condolences to the families of those involved and are offering them our full support. This is truly an emotional time for all of us at Oceania Cruises.
Three crewmembers and two contractors who were working onboard were transferred to a local medical facility. We are deeply saddened to learn that two contractors and one crewmember did not survive. We extend our deepest condolences to their families during this very difficult time.
Arrangements are being made for guests and crew to be accommodated at local hotels until transportation to Miami is arranged
UPDATE December 19: The Insignia is currently under to to San Juan, Puerto Rico. There she’ll enter drydock for repairs and investigation. The preliminary investigation has just concluded, hence why she was permitted to sail.