EUROPEAN media outlets are reporting the
accidental death of five cruise members
onboard Thomson Majesty, after a lifeboat fell
from the ship during an emergency drill.
The ship was docked at Santa Cruz, La Palma
in the Canary Islands when the tragedy
occurred, with reports saying the lifeboat fell
around 17 metres from the side of the ship
into the ocean, and then capsized, killing five
crew and seriously injuring three others.
Around 2,000 guests were onboard when the
lifeboat fell, however as it was a crew-only
exercise, and no guests were involved in the drill.
The event has led to renewed calls from the
trade union for seafarers, Nautilus International,
for an end to having lifeboats peopled when
lowered during emergency drills.
