Statement on Star Princess

This morning at approximately 3:10 am local time, as Star Princess was en route from Grand Cayman to Montego Bay, a fire broke out in the passenger accommodations, and spread to adjacent cabins. Passengers were immediately notified of the fire using the public address system and requested to report to their muster stations. We are currently completing a full passenger check to account for all passengers and crew.

The fire is now out, however there is still residual smoke throughout the affected area. The cause of the fire at this time is unknown. The ship is carrying a total of 2,690 passengers and 1,123 crew members. A full damage assessment is being carried out at this point. Authorities were immediately contacted regarding the incident and we continue to work closely with all relevant parties.

Star Princess sailed from Fort Lauderdale on March 19 on a western Caribbean itinerary with calls at Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and Princess Cays. A special number has been set up for inquiries from immediate family of passengers who are currently onboard: 1-800-693-7222.

Rich

[ 03-23-2006: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]

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We deeply regret having to confirm that there has been one passenger fatality following a cardiac arrest, two passengers with significant smoke inhalation injuries and nine passengers with minor complications resulting from smoke inhalation. The injured passengers have been stabilized in the ship's medical center.

The fire is fully out, however there is still residual smoke throughout the affected area. The cause of the fire at this time is unknown.

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Originally posted by greybeard:
Update from Princess

The fire is fully out, however there is still residual smoke throughout the affected area. The cause of the fire at this time is unknown.

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Also, CNN reports over 100 cabins are affected mostly by smoke damage.

[ 03-23-2006: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

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Originally posted by dmwnc1:

Also, CNN reports over 100 cabins are affected mostly by smoke damage.

[ 03-23-2006: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

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Originally posted by sunviking82:
Fire Trap comments is uncalled for. Someone has died and people have been injured. Star Princess is a new and well designed ship, not the prettiest from the outside, but wonderful to be aboard. This is very sad. My prayer with all the passengers on board her, my they get home safely.

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:

Does this ship comply w/SOLAS 2010?? Maybe it is time to retire this firetrap once and for all.

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I don't know what ship you are thinking about, but it can't be Star Princess, which is a modern vessel launched in 2002.

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Originally posted by greybeard:

I don't know what ship you are thinking about, but it can't be Star Princess, which is a modern vessel launched in 2002.

What grounds can you possibly have for your "firetrap" allegation?

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Originally posted by Jamaica Jeff:
The firetrap comment was unjustified. The ship is only four years old. Hardly ready to be retired.

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Originally posted by Frosty 4:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11975460/

This shows pix of fire damage. Pretty extensive. Wonder what the cause was?? Smoking??
The cruise industry is sure taking their lumps lately.
But still cruising is pretty safe.
F4

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Wow, that is pretty bad. The balconies literally melted off. One fatality is one too many, but looking at that damage it's amazing there are not more. Very unfortunate.

It will be interesting to see how this fire spread to such a large area.

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Originally posted by Linerrich:
I'm just amazed that so much of a new, state-of-the-art ship can actually burn, what with sprinkler systems, fire doors, fireproof partions, etc.

It will be interesting to see how this fire spread to such a large area.

Rich

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:

My thoughts exactly. People said ships such as the 45 year old Norway were unsafe but other than the tragic defective boiler explosion how many deadly fires did she (or QE2 for that matter) have over the years? With many older ships slated for retirement by 2010, how many of these 'classics' had deadly fires on board? I think that cruise ship builders and designers will be reviewing what will and won't burn on board. Looks like ss United States creator William Francis Gibbs was right 60 years ago in having ALL materials either fireproof or treated w/fire retardants. SOLAS 2010 may not be enough.

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I think the external damage looks worse than it is. We don't know how much the damage to the cabins extends deep into the ship. For all we really know, the damage may simply be to the cabins and structural steel around them. Not exactly the same as a mortal blow to the ship.

In truth, I think it is amazing that only 11 passengers were hurt, and then only from smoke. Further, it is an answer to a question that has been in a lot of our minds as to if a crew on such a ship would answer the call and put the fire out. The crew clearly fought like heck and combined with the design of the vessel itself, kept her from being destroyed. Ironicaly, I may feel safer on these ships having seen how a major fire was dealt with, than before there had been a serious test.

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Originally posted by mec1:
I have always respected lasuvidaboy until these ridiculous comments about firetraps.

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