All 656 passengers are safe and were flown back to Miami. Oceania Cruises released a statement following the incident: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred this morning on INSIGNIA. We have extended our heartfelt condolences to the families of those involved and are offering them our full support. This is a truly emotional time for all of us at Oceania Cruises.”
An investigation is being led by authorities from the Marshall Islands, where the ship is registered, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is sending staff to assist.
INSIGNIA’s 10-day cruise, which departed San Juan, Puerto Rico on Sunday and was due to arrive in Miami on December 17, has now been cancelled.
Oceania Cruises MV INSIGNIA was built in 1998 as the R ONE, the first of eight identical ships for Renaissance Cruises.
the good news today is a large number of crew have also been arrived in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and the one remaining crew member in the hospital has been discharged.
How sad! Thoughts and prayers with the victims’ families.