One dead after gas bottle explodes on cruise ship

A cylinder containing compressed nitrogen exploded aboard a cruise ship berthed in Otago now, hitting and killing a team member, before flying across the railings on the wharf below.

The Emerald Princess berthed at Port Chalmers. Photo: RNZ / Lydia Anderson

The canister, which comprised compressed nitrogen, exploded at about 5.15pm on board the Emerald Princess cruise ship, which had been docked at Port Chalmers close Dunedin.

The Fire Service said four firing crews were sent to the scene to ensure the cruise ship employees had everything in check.

They have since left the region.

Authorities said no-one else was hurt and they will be investigating the passing on behalf of the Coroner. Worksafe along with Maritime New Zealand have also been consulted.

Among those firefighters, Cory White, said the huge cylinder became a projectile and struck the man.

He said the cylinder lasted flying prior to landing on the wharf alongside the ship.

Mr White claims the cylinder driven a gantry that raised the lifeboats on and off the ship.

He said the cylinder was comparable in size to the 45kg tanks utilized at houses across the nation.

Mr White said nobody was yet sure exactly what happened, however, it seemed that the canister’s leading valve assembly was ruined.

He explained there were still about 300 passengers trying to get onboard at the time of the explosion, and had to be included in a nearby shed.

Police at the scene in which a man was murdered by an exploding gas reservoir. Photo: RNZ / Lydia Anderson

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said initial reports indicated the explosion “occurred during some specialized work in the hydraulic launch system onto a tender vessel”.

“We are working closely with local police and other authorities and helping in their answer and inquiries. We are deeply saddened that a part of Emerald Princess’ team was fatally hurt in the incident. Emerald Princess is now on a 12-night round trip cruise from Sydney to destinations in New Zealand.”

Staff at the local library, about 100m away from the cruise ship, said that they heard a loud bang which sounded like a container falling onto a wharf, along with library patrons rushed outside to find out what it was.

The Emerald Princess docked in Port Chalmers. Photo: RNZ / Lydia Anderson

Port chief executive Geoff Plunkett said there was no obvious damage to the ship.

Mr Plunkett explained the scene had been cordoned off by the police and he did not understand when the ship would sail.

The spokesperson for the railroad line said the ship would only sail as it had consent to do so from police.

It was due to leave for Fiordland at 6pm now.

Even the Emerald Princess can cater for 3000 passengers and a team of 1200.

Gas cylinder explodes on #emeraldprincess#cruise killing one team member in #Dunedin#NZ@dailynznewspic.twitter.com/BcXQDPdeLQ

— Sr Edna Welthorpe (@Edna_Welthorpe) February 9, 2017

Source

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/324165/one-dead-after-gas-bottle-explodes-on-cruise-ship

source http://www.cheap-discount-mexico-cruises.com/one-dead-after-gas-bottle-explodes-on-cruise-ship/