Three die in Caribbean cruise ship fire

Three people have died after a fire broke out on a luxury cruise ship docked at the Caribbean island of St Lucia.

A crew member and two contractors passed away on board the Oceania Insignia.

There were 656 passengers and 400 crew members on board when the fire broke out at around 8.30am on Thursday. All were evacuated and the rest of the cruise was cancelled.

The blaze began in the engine room and was contained to that area.

Jason Lasecki, senior director of public relations for Prestige Cruise Holdings, the parent company of Oceania Cruises, said it is not yet clear what caused the fire.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred 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. We are grateful there are no other crew injuries.”

The passengers, including some Britons, were flown from Castries, the capital of St Lucia, to Miami, from where they were then flown home.

The cruise was originally meant to be 10 days, and set out from San Juan in Puerto Rico last Saturday.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Lasecki added: “A crew member remains in the hospital and is reported to be stable. We are grateful there are no other crew injuries.

“Our top priority is ensuring all 656 guests return home as quickly and comfortably as possible. [We] arranged for charter flights this evening to return all guests to Miami, as well as transfers and hotel accommodations in Miami until flights to their city of origin can be arranged.

“All guests will receive a 100 per cent refund, and a 50pc credit towards a future Oceania Cruises voyage.”

Best Caribbean Cruises for 2015

• Jamaica

  
  With its lush green rainforest, mountains and reggae everywhere you go, Jamaica is without doubt one of the most intriguing islands in the Caribbean. On a day trip you can go bareback horseriding in the sea, climb Dunn’s waterfall and still have time for a lunch of jerk chicken, rice and peas; or if you’re a music fan, head for The Bob Marley Centre Mausoleum. Jamaica is the kind of island that seduces you from your first visit. Trust us, you won’t want to leave.
  Take me there: MSC Cruises has a seven-night cruise from Miami, departing in February 2015, calling at Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and Mexico,from £459pp (a saving of £200pp on the brochure price), based on two sharing, not including flights.

• Belize

  Divers and snorkellers will be in their element in this small Central American country – the 150-mile Belize Barrier Reef offers some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. There are also Mayan ruins to visit in the jungle, notably at Altun Ha, which dates back to 900BC.
  Take me there: Norwegian Cruise Line has a seven night cruise calling at Belize from £1,040pp, based on two sharing, including flights.

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