Fire Aboard Cruise Ship Leaves One Dead, 11 hurt

March 23, 2006
The blaze started in a cabin.

One person died and several others were injured in a fire that broke out on a Princess cruise ship that departed from Fort Lauderdale on March 19

The Star Princess was en route from Grand Cayman to Montego Bay, Jamaica, when the blaze started just after 3 a.m. Officials said that the fire started in one cabin and spread to other rooms.

The Coast Guard confirmed the death of one person, but has not said if the person was a crewmember or a passenger.

Company officials said in addition to the person who died, two people suffered smoke inhalation and nine others were injured.

The ship is carrying almost of 2,690 passengers and 1,123 crewmembers.

Investigators said the fire was caused by a cigarette. Crews from the Miami Coast Guard station will assess the damage to the ship and evaluate any possible safety issues.

Princess is owned by Carnival Cruises, which is based in Miami.

A special number has been set up for inquiries from immediate family of passengers who are currently onboard: 1 (800) 693-7222.

Copyright 2006 by Local10.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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