18 August 2013

Two Die During Scrapping of 'Love Boat':

The dismantling of one of the most famous cruise ships, the former Pacific Princess – also known as the Love Boat – has begun on a catastrophic note.


Turkish media reported that two workers at the Izmir-based scrapyard where the vessel arrived late last week for dismantling were killed by toxic gas in its engine room.

The MS Pacific, as it was most recently known, arrived at the scrapyard in Turkey on Wednesday after ‘wasting away’ at an Italian dock for years. The famed ship’s journey to the scrapyard was difficult due to weather conditions – causing damage to the cruise ship, allowing water to fill the engine room.

A total of ten workers entered the engine room where they encountered the poisonous smoke released from a plumbing fixture’s exhaust pipe, while they were trying to drain the water. The surviving eight men were released from a nearby hospital on Sunday.

An investigation has been launched into the death of the two deceased workers who reportedly died of smoke inhalation. Before the investigation begins, necessary gas measurements will be done, and gas and water in the ship will be removed.

The almost 20,000-ton ship is being recycled for its metal and parts.

The vessel last sailed for Spanish-based Quail Cruises. The Izmir Ship Recycling Co. recently acquired the vessel for 2.5 million euros.

Source:  maritime-executive. 12 August 2013

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