One crew member has died after a gas cylinder exploded on a cruise ship that was docked in Port Chalmers, New Zealand earlier today the Daily Telegraph is reporting.
The incident on Emerald Princess took place at approximately 5pm local time and “indicate that the accident happened during technical work on the hydraulic launching system on a tender vessel.
The 100 pound gas cylinder exploded, flew through the air killing the crew member whose name has not yet been released. The cruise line is working with local authorities assisting in their response and inquiries and no other crew members or passengers were injured in the accident.
The captain on Emerald Princess went on the telecom shortly after the accident keeping the passengers informed on the situation. The Daily Telegraph is also reporting that there are no visible signs of damage to the cruise ship.
The cruise line issued a statement saying they are “deeply saddened that a member of Emerald Princess’s crew was fatally injured in the accident”.
Gas cylinder explodes on #emeraldprincess #cruise killing one crew member in #Dunedin #NZ @dailynznews pic.twitter.com/BcXQDPdeLQ
— Sr Edna Welthorpe (@Edna_Welthorpe) February 9, 2017
Emerald Princess is currently on a 12 night cruise to New Zealand out of Sydney, Australia. The ship will remain in Port Chalmers until the investigation is complete.
Cruise Fever sends our thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the family and friends on the crew member who lost their life in this accident.
Photo Credit: Bahnfrend via Wiki Creative Commons 4.0
