Cruise liner fire risks warning

Last updated at 08:39 27 April 2006


Travel bosses have been told to take urgent action to prevent a repeat of a devastating Caribbean cruise liner fire that left one man dead.

More than 60 British holidaymakers were forced to fly home early when a fire broke out on the 110,000-tonne Star Princess as it sailed to Jamaica earlier this year.

One American died of a heart attack while escaping the blaze, which spread across three decks and damaged almost 300 cabins.

A further 11 passengers were injured as thick black smoke spread into the ship, hampering the evacuation.

British marine investigators have taken the unusual step of issuing a safety notice before they complete their investigation into the tragedy.

They warned ship owners that the balconies of boats, where the fire took place, may be much more at risk than internal rooms and hallways.

Ship owners have been told to review their fire safety precautions on balconies, which do not often have smoke alarms and can be difficult to access.

They may also have to replace some balcony materials with safer, non-combustible alternatives.

Stephen Meyer, the UK's chief inspector of marine accidents, said the cruise industry has reacted quickly to the danger.

He said: "Fires such as this are extremely rare and I am confident that the cruise industry has identified measures to ensure that a similar accident will not happen again. In the meantime we will continue with our investigation and to monitor the implementation of our recommendations."

Most watched News videos