By
Rebecca Gibson |
Officials have confirmed that cruise passengers were among the 19 people killed during a gun attack at the Bardo National Museum in the capital Tunis, Tunisia.
In total, 17 tourists and two Tunisians, one a police officer, were killed during the incident, while more than 40 people were injured. Security forces have killed two gunmen but the search for accomplices is ongoing.
MSC Cruises, which called at the port of La Goulette as part of its weekly cruise schedule on 18 March, has confirmed that at least nine of its guests were killed during the attack. According to sources, three of the victims were from Japan, two French, two Spanish and two were Colombian.
In addition, 12 passengers were injured, while six people – two from Spain and passengers from Britain, Belgium, France and Japan – are still missing. These numbers are still subject to modification while official identification is ongoing.
Immediately following the attack, MSC and its crisis team worked with local, national and international authorities to ensure the injured passengers were taken to hospitals, while the rest were returned to the ship. Onboard security was raised to the highest level and guests were able to use telephones and internet services to contact relatives and friends.
“At this tragic time, the MSC Cruises family wishes to extend its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those who were affected by this tragic event and are suffering as a result, in particular to the families and friends of those who lost their lives as well as the injured ones,” said the company in a written statement.
MSC Splendida left La Goulette in Tunis at 6am on 19 March and is due to arrive at Barcelona in Spain at 9am on 20 March, as per her original schedule.
“MSC Cruises is present on site with its crises team in order to continue to provide key assistance on the ground to MSC Splendida’s guests who were involved in the tragic events and needing assistance,” the line said in an update. The company’s executive chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, is also due to arrive in Tunis to assess the situation, assist victims and consult with local authorities.
Costa Cruises has also confirmed that 13 passengers were still missing when Costa Fascinosa departed Tunis port at 1:55am on 19 March.
According to the line, 15 members from Costa’s care team and two directors from its headquarters are working with local authorities, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and port agents to assist.
“Costa Crociere expresses its sympathy to all the people and their families involved in the tragic event,” said the line in a written statement. “The safety of our guests and crew both onboard, as well as during shore excursions, is the top priority for Costa,” said the company in a written statement.