You are here

Louis: Tragedy at sea

04/03/2010 10:40
Two passengers were killed and six are injured when ‘abnormal’ waves crashed into a cruise ship of Louis off Marseille.

According to CNN, the vessel, the Louis Majesty, was sailing under a Maltese flag from Barcelona to Genoa when it was hit by waves each about 9 meters high.

According to Louis cruise line spokesman, Michalis Maratheftis, “five windows in public areas -- on the forward part, or bow, of the 14-deck ship -- were smashed, and two male passengers -- a German and an Italian -- were killed. The incident occurred 24 miles off the coast of Cabo de San Sebastian near the Spanish town of Palafrugell”.

“Fourteen others were treated aboard the ship for light injuries but were hospitalized as a precaution when the ship returned to Barcelona on Wednesday night”, Mr. Maratheftis said.

Spain's state news agency reported that two of the passengers had serious injuries, including a 62-year-old woman with fractures in both legs. Mr. Maratheftis would not provide specifics, but said there were no life-threatening injuries to the 14 wounded passengers.

The ship had 1,350 passengers and 580 crew members, including four Cypriots and three Greeks who are well and will fly home today.

"The next cruise has been canceled, and the Louis Majesty will remain in Barcelona for repairs. The vessel is due to resume cruises on March 14”, he said.

According to a Louis representative, the incident could not be avoided. The company has a full insurance coverage.