3 dead after fire breaks out on Oceania Cruises ship

Fire starts in engine room of Miami-bound cruise ship

MIAMI – Three people were killed Thursday after a fire broke out on an Oceania Cruises Insignia ship that was docked in St. Lucia.

According to a spokesman with Oceania Cruises, the fire started in the engine room about 8:30 a.m. Three crew members and two contractors were working in the area when the fire broke out and were transferred to a medical facility. Three of them did not survive their injuries.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred this morning on Insignia," spokesman Jason Lasecki said in a statement. "We have extended our heartfelt condolences to the families of those involved and are offering them our full support."

A fourth person, who is being treated for smoke inhalation, remains in the hospital in stable condition, according the the St. Lucia News Online.

Lasecki said the remainder of the cruise was canceled but that the cruise line arranged charter flights for all guests and crew to get to to Miami, where their accommodations would be taken care of until flights to their city of origin could be arranged.

"All guests will receive a 100 percent refund and a 50 percent credit towards a future Oceania Cruises voyage," the statement read.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, but Marshall Islands officials will be the lead investigators.

The cruise departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Dec. 7 and was scheduled to arrive in Miami on Dec. 17.

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