Holland America cruise ship “accident” kills two crew members

Two crew members on a Holland America Line cruise ship have died in an “incident” in the ship’s engineering space, the cruise line said.

Two unidentified crew members died Friday while the Florida-based New Amsterdam was sailing off Half Moon Island in the Bahamas, Holland America said in a statement.

The cruise line said authorities had been notified and the cause of the incident was under investigation. The crew is undergoing counseling.

“Everyone at Holland America Line is deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the team member’s family during this difficult time,” the statement said. “The safety, security and safety of all guests and crew and well-being are an absolute priority for the company.”

The cruise line did not provide any further details about the crew. It later said the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation. The ship sailed from Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.