By
Michele Witthaus |
Five crew members on Thomson Majesty died and a further three were injured on Sunday 10 February when a lifeboat they were in fell 20m from the ship into the sea while it was docked in the port of Santa Cruz de la Palma in the Canary Islands.
Approximately 1,400 passengers were on the ship and a routine safety drill was in progress when the boat came loose from its moorings and plunged into the water. No passengers were hurt in the incident, which took place before the Malta-flagged ship was due to sail to Funchal, Madeira.
Thomson Cruises said in a statement: “We are working closely with the ship owners and managers, Louis Cruises, to determine exactly what has happened and provide assistance to those affected by the incident. We are also working closely with all relevant authorities and will be cooperating fully with their investigations.” It added: “Our thoughts are with the families of those involved.”