A lifeboat drill accident in Bermuda has left one Norwegian Breakaway crew member dead and three others hospitalized with injuries.
The incident happened during a routine crew drill shortly before noon Wednesday, when Norwegian Breakaway was alongside at Heritage Wharf, Royal Naval Dockyard.
Norwegian Cruise Line said the four crew received immediate care from the ship’s medical team before being transferred to hospital ashore, where one died.
The company did not identify the crew member, but Bermuda news reports said he was a Filipino, 41.
‘Norwegian is profoundly saddened by this loss and we share our deepest sympathies with the crew member’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,’ the company said in a statement.
Norwegian added it is providing full support and care to those involved and is working closely with the government of Bermuda and relevant authorities to investigate the incident.
The cruise line did not provide details, but local media cited a police spokesman as saying the elevated rescue boat carrying the four crewmen had broken from its tethering, plunging them into the water. Video footage showed a small, capsized boat against Norwegian Breakaway’s hull near the open gangway hatch and a larger, lowered lifeboat further aft.
According to a news report in Bermuda’s Royal Gazette, the catamaran tour boat Aristocat recovered an injured man from the water. Because of the risk of moving a person with possible spinal injuries, an Aristocat crew member supported the Norwegian Breakaway crewman in the water and they were towed to shore where paramedics put a board under the injured man.
Norwegian Breakaway sails weekly to Bermuda from New York. The ship arrived at Dockyard Wednesday morning and is due to depart Friday afternoon, as scheduled.
