Incident on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam
Two crew members perish in engine room accident
This morning around 9 a.m., the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam was anchored off the coast of Half Moon Cay, a privately owned island in the Bahamas.
Its passengers - including myself - were anticipating a day sunning on the island’s pristine white sand beaches and maybe indulging in a pina colada or two when an incident happened in the ship’s engine room.
Two crew members were killed in the incident with Holland America issuing the following statement:
We regret to share that at approximately 9:20 a.m. (UTC -04:00), while calling at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, there was an incident in an engineering space on board Nieuw Amsterdam, which sadly resulted in the death of two crew members. The appropriate authorities were notified, and the cause of the incident is currently being investigated.
All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time. The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority. We are offering counseling services to team members who may have been affected by this incident.
Nieuw Amsterdam is on a 7-night itinerary, which departed from Fort Lauderdale on March 16, 2024.
A local Bahamian news site reported that the cause of the deaths was a “fire and steam accident” on board the ship and that the fire was quickly extinguished.
I am currently on the Nieuw Amsterdam as part of a media group invited to experience the ship and its new Morimoto restaurant. Cruise lines have gotten a shot of adrenaline, thanks in part to the new giant mega-ship, Icon of the Seas, which is more of a floating mall than a seagoing vessel.
I was ashore when the incident happened, touring the island and marveling at the stingrays and beautiful vistas. Later, on board, a couple that I had met on a food tour in St. Thomas said they witnessed the ship release a plume of white steam earlier that day, but nothing else seemed awry on the vessel.
Last evening, I was talking with the Captain of the ship, mostly about the weather in Miami and how we might be affected by the anticipated 60 MPH wind gusts and torrential rain we might encounter on our way back to Fort Lauderdale.
Today, at 3 p.m., when the Captain asked for our attention, I was convinced it was a weather announcement.
Instead, he announced that two crew members were killed in an engine room accident. I was working on my computer at the Ocean Bar, a lovely venue with panoramic views. Suddenly, the convivial chatter and clink of glasses turned somber as we heard the captain’s voice break as he announced the news. One woman started crying. The rest of us lifted our glasses in tribute.
Shortly afterward, a smaller boat filled with Bahamian police sailed alongside the vessel to investigate. We are still not underway until the Bahamian Government clears us for departure.
Let me clarify a few things.
At no time were any passengers in any danger. We are safe and the crew is nothing short of amazing. I’ve also worked for a shipping line about 20 years ago and safety to a ship is everything.
But — I do think people take for granted that a ship — any ship — is not just a “floating hotel”. And, yes — the most danger you are likely to encounter on a cruise ship is a bad sunburn and a terrible hangover (and some indigestion from hitting the midnight buffet).
But a ship — like all ships — must be respected. They are classic modes of transportation with massive engine rooms that traverse the seas. I’ve been on cruises that have encountered freak storms, rogue waves, and now a tragedy.
But here’s where the people of the cruise lines come in — these people are dedicated to the safety of both passengers and crew.
Incidents are rare. But they happen. The sea is unpredictable and must always be respected.
In the next few days, I will unravel the dichotomy between the amazing food, stunning vistas, and friendly service with the loss of two lives that occurred on my voyage. Later this week, I will review the cruise, detailing the food and the views, and the islands I visited.
But for today, I will look out at the ocean and think about the two people who have perished doing what they loved best. Because I have learned that people who work on ships don’t just have a job — they have a calling. Respect.