Filipino dies in cruise ship safety drill accident in Bermuda

The Norwegian Breakaway, scene of fatal accident. NCL

SAN FRANCISCO –– A Filipino crewman on the visiting Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship died after being injured during a routine safety training drill while the ship was moored at King’s Wharf in Dockyard, in Hamilton, Bermuda on Wednesday, July 20.

The Filipino crewmember, 41, has not been named pending notification of his next of kin. He was one of four crewmembers who were rushed to the local hospital, according to a report by The Royal Gazette. The other three crewmembers are being treated for their injuries.

The lifeboat’s tethering broke and it was left hanging from one wire; four crewmembers fell into the water, according to a Bermuda Maritime Operations spokesman. Rescuers found one man floating in the water with broken bones.

Staff of the tour boat Aristocat, which towed the injured man to shore, were among the rescuers. Acting Tourism Minister Grant Gibbons said government was in touch with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) over the tragedy.

The Norwegian Breakaway arrived at Heritage Wharf earlier in the day from New York, carrying 4,300 passengers. It is expected to return to the US east coast on Friday.

A Norwegian Cruise Line statement said the ship’s medical team provided immediate care on-board the vessel, and the crewmembers were transported to the local hospital for further medical treatment. The company, the statement said, was providing “full support and care to the crewmembers involved” and cooperating with the authorities investigating the tragedy.