Tragic Deaths: Caribbean Cruise Workers Boiled Alive in Steam Pipe Explosion
The Tragic Incident
Two Cruise Workers Face a Horrific Fate
The Fatal Mistake: Steam Compensator Explosion
Surviving Passengers Tell Their Experience
Maritime Attorney Shares Disturbing Details
Tragic Aftermath: The Investigation Begins
In Conclusion
Two Caribbean cruise workers were boiled to death after a catastrophic steam pipe explosion saw them trapped in a hellish engine room. Engineer Joseph Terrado and wiper Wawan Gusnawan were onboard the Holland America vessel, anchored at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 16 for a seven-night trip. After returning to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, March 23, the ship embarked on its next voyage, with the next call scheduled at Ocho Rios, Jamaica on March 26.
But at around 9 a.m. on Friday, March 22, a steam compensator exploded in the engine room of the Nieuw Amsterdam ship, sending steam into the engine room, triggering an alarm. Despite staff’s efforts to close the water-tight doors and turn off the ventilation before evacuating, Terrado and Gusnawan were still trapped inside.
Passenger Laine Doss described the captain breaking the news over the ship’s announcement speakers, causing shock and somberness among passengers. Maritime attorney Jim Walker revealed that the two crew members were not equipped with breathing devices and were unable to manually open the hydraulic doors, resulting in them being trapped in the space.
Walker explained that the explosion occurred while the workers were installing filters, and the malfunctioning piece of equipment was the thermal expansion joint within the compensator. As a result, they suffocated due to the lack of oxygen and hot steam, which overwhelmed them.
Holland America Line confirmed the accident occurred in an engineering space on board while the boat was anchored at Half Moon Cay, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The cruise line emphasized that safety is their top priority and they are working to understand what led to the tragic accident.
All systems on board the Nieuw Amsterdam have been reviewed and determined to be fully operable by independent surveyors of the Dutch government and confirmed by the US Coast Guard. The cruise company expressed deep sadness over the event and extended their support to the families of the deceased crew members and all staff during this difficult time.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, with Holland America Line collaborating with authorities to uncover the truth behind the incident.