*BREAKING: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE SHIP SINKS IN CARIBBEAN SEA, MULTIPLE CASUALTIES REPORTED*
*BREAKING: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE SHIP SINKS IN CARIBBEAN SEA, MULTIPLE CASUALTIES REPORTED*
Miami, FL – A Carnival Cruise Line ship, the Carnival Victory, has sunk in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, approximately 100 miles off the coast of Grand Cayman Island. The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 AM local time, and multiple casualties have been reported.
According to eyewitnesses, the ship experienced a catastrophic failure of its propulsion system, which caused it to take on water at an alarming rate. Despite efforts by the crew to save the vessel, the Carnival Victory eventually succumbed to the flooding and slipped beneath the surface of the ocean.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and are working closely with authorities to account for all passengers and crew,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected.”
The Carnival Victory was on a 7-day Caribbean cruise, which departed from Miami on Saturday, with over 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members on board. The ship was scheduled to make stops in Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Miami.
Rescue efforts are currently underway, with multiple ships and aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Caribbean Navy, and other nearby vessels responding to the distress call. So far, over 1,500 passengers and crew members have been rescued, but many more are still unaccounted for.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation, but officials say that it appears to be an accident, rather than a deliberate act.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our hearts go out to the families of those affected,” said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral, Peter Brown. “We will do everything in our power to support the rescue efforts and investigate the cause of this incident.”
The sinking of the Carnival Victory is one of the worst maritime disasters in recent history, and it has sent shockwaves throughout the cruise industry.
Carnival Cruise Line has established a hotline for family members of passengers and crew, and is providing support and assistance to those affected.
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.