Fire on Oceania Insignia Kills Three Workers, Cancels Cruise

oceania insigniaIn a sad development Thursday, Oceania Cruises has confirmed that two contractors and one crew member working in the ship's engine room are dead after an apparent accident in Insignia's engine room, while the ship was docked at St. Lucia in the Caribbean. All guests are safe.

Oceania issued this statement:

"At approximately 8:30 a.m. today while in St. Lucia, Insignia experienced a fire in the engine room. The fire was contained to the engine room and extinguished. All guests are safe and have disembarked the vessel.

"Three crew members 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 crew member did not survive. We extend our deepest condolences to their families during this very difficult time.

"The remainder of the cruise has been cancelled. Arrangements are being made for guests and crew to be accommodated at local hotels until transportation to Miami is arranged.

"A guest and crew support team, along with a technical team, is en route to the vessel. Oceania Cruises is working closely with the ship’s crew to continue to obtain reliable, up-to-the-minute information on this situation and will make additional details available as they become known.

"Insignia was on a 10-day cruise which departed San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 7, 2014 and was scheduled to arrive in Miami on December 17, 2014."

Travel Agent will provide additional updates as they're available.