The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday commended officials for their part in assisting passengers after the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas experienced a fire on board ship.

A team of Tourism representatives went into action to assist 71 of the ship’s passengers who had to be accommodated in Grand Bahama on Monday following the mishap. The Ministry also ensured that the visitors were taken to the airport to travel back to Baltimore.

Mr Wilchcombe said: “It demonstrated that we’re partners with the cruise lines and that if they are facing difficulties as when we are facing difficulties, we’ve got to work through situations together. 

“It also demonstrated that we are always ready. Bahamians always rise to the occasion so on this occasion it made it almost seamless that something happened. 

“Circumstances happen and you don’t know why,  but when they do it’s how you respond to them.”

According to officials, the fire began on board the ship with its 3,018 passengers and crew members at 2:50 am on Monday. Although no one was hurt, Tourism officials responded immediately to ensure that all aboard were safe.

Around 150 passengers left the ship at the time of the incident.