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Cruise Industry News |
Thursday January 8th, 2009 |
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Bus Accident in Chile |
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Celebrity Cruises is working in close coordination with Chilean and U.S. authorities to provide assistance in the aftermath of today's tragic bus accident involving guests sailing onboard Millennium. |
"On behalf of everyone at Celebrity Cruises, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to our guests and their families regarding the deaths and injuries that occurred today," said Dan Hanrahan, president of Celebrity Cruises. "We continue to make every effort to provide comfort and assistance to our guests and their families who have been affected by this tragic accident."
Preliminary information indicates that 11 guests were killed and three injured in the accident that occurred near Arica, Chile. The guests were on an independent private tour, not affiliated with the cruise line.
The accident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time. The injured have been taken to a local hospital. A doctor and nurse from Millennium have been sent to the hospital to assist the injured and local medical authorities.
Millennium departed Valparaiso, Chile, on March 19, on a 14-night sailing that is scheduled to conclude in Fort Lauderdale on April 2. Today's accident occurred on the fourth day of the cruise and the ship will remain in Arica, Chile, until further notice. The ship was carrying approximately 1,536 guests and 920 crew members.
Celebrity Cruises has established two toll-free phone lines for family members of guests sailing on this cruise. Callers in North America should dial 1-888-829-4050. Callers from outside North America should dial the following number collect 305-539-4050. These numbers are for family members only, and the company requests that the general public not use these numbers so family members of those onboard the ship may receive information in a timely manner.
Celebrity Cruises Vice President for Marine Operations John Krousouloudis is leading a special assistance team from the company that is being dispatched to the ship to help its guests and crew.
Celebrity Cruises reported the incident to the U.S. Consulate, U.S. Coast Guard, and Bahamian authorities. The company is working in close coordination with those organizations and Chilean authorities to assist the injured and those onboard the ship.
The cause of the accident has not been determined, and Celebrity Cruises will be actively involved in the investigation.
Celebrity Cruises will provide additional information regarding this matter as it becomes available. Information will also be posted on the Celebrity Cruises web site at http://www.celebrity.com/.
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Contact Information:
416-840-6565 |
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Online source for cruise industry news. Part of the Nevistas network of travel and hospitality industry web sites. |
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