According to a statement issued by Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), the company reported that a seventh crewmember has perished as a result of the explosion that occurred onboard the line’s S/S Norway on May 25. Known as Ramon Villarais, the 39-year-old crewmember was employed by the line as an engine room stoker from Bulacan in the Philippines. He had worked with NCL for eight years, always on the Norway.
“Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to Ramon Villarais' family, those who are injured and to the families of those who lost their lives,” the line said in a press statement.
Since the explosion onboard the vessel’s boiler room occurred last week in the Port of Miami, nine crewmembers remain hospitalized. Two crewmembers were discharged on May 29, and one crewmember was taken off the critical list and is resting in serious but stable condition. In addition, one crewmember remains on the critical list.
The line has also informed that both the June 15 and June 22 sailings of the vessel have been canceled as a result of this accident.
While it has not been reported as to what went wrong aboard the Norway, both the NTSB and the U.S. Coast have issued a full investigation, of which NCL is fully cooperating with.