Passengers on board a cruise ship where two crew members died following an explosion in the engine room have detailed the terrifying ordeal.
People onboard the Holland America cruise from Florida to the Bahamas were expecting a luxurious time during the seven-night trip, but quickly turned into a holiday from hell when a fatal blast happened.
The 2,100-seat Nieuw Amsterdam had docked at Half Moon Bay in Little San Salvador on Friday when the explosion happened. Just a week earlier it had left Fort Lauderdale.
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The engine room is said to have exploded
A huge exploison killed two crew members on a cruise shipJim Walker, a Florida maritime lawyer, was sent photos of what crew members described as the aftermath of the blast in a steam compensator. Two men working nearby were trapped and died as a result.
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He said: "Holland America says that it notified ‘the appropriate authorities’ and is currently investigating the incident.They did not identify the investigating agency nor state whether it will release additional information. Cruise lines which perform investigations following accidents of this type keep their finding and conclusions secret."
Passengers have spoken out about their shock at hearing the news two people had died (Bloomberg via Getty Images)Travel blogger Laine Doss was one of the passengers onboard. Speaking about the shock announcement which was made to all, she said: "‘Today, at 3pm, when the Captain asked for our attention, I was convinced it was a weather announcement. Instead, he announced that two crew members were killed in an engine room accident.
"I was working on my computer at the Ocean Bar, a lovely venue with panoramic views. Suddenly, the convivial chatter and clink of glasses turned somber as we heard the captain’s voice break as he announced the news. One woman started crying. The rest of us lifted our glasses in tribute."
Two crew members died after an explosion in the engine room of the Holland America Line cruise ship (Getty Images)The cruise line urgently contacted authorities to let them know about the accident - which is being investigated - and explained other staff were being offered counselling, MailOnline reports.
A spokesman said: "All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time. The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority."
Another passenger, Bonnie Shapiro, wrote on social media: "The staff is keeping smiles on their faces and making sure their passengers are getting great service, but it must be so difficult for them, they are truly professionals."
It's not the first time the ship has been involved in a serious accident. Back in 2017, there was a grounding at Santa Cruz Huatulco in Mexico due to strong winds which broke mooring lies. Two years later the cruise liner was also struck by sister ship MS Oosterdam while docking in Vancouver, Canada.
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