CMV thanks travel partners following Marco Polo tragedy
Cruise and Maritime Voyages has thanked its travel trade partners for their support following last Friday’s tragedy when a passenger died on board its ship the Marco Polo during a storm in the English Channel.
Several other passengers were injured and CMV thanked the trade for its handling of those who were affected.
Head of retail sales Lisa Jacobs said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the passengers and their families affected during this difficult time.
"Cruise & Maritime Voyages takes the safety and comfort of all its passengers and crew very seriously and this will always be a priority.
"We are also mindful of our responsibility to the trade and wish to reassure them we are keeping all the media channels fully informed whilst investigations are taking place."
The press statement did not include any further details about the ongoing investigation into the incident, which happened as the Marco Polo was returning from the Azores to her home port of Tilbury.
85-year-old James Swinstead died after a wave smashed through a window in the ship’s dining room. Other passengers were also injured and a 74-year-old woman had to be airlifted to hospital, where she is said to be recovering.
Mr Swinstead’s widow Helen, who was with her husband on the 42-night cruise, claimed the ship was badly maintained but this has been denied by the cruise line, which insisted it had undergone "stringent and rigorous surveys" and had recently been inspected during a dry docking survey and certification.
Jacobs added: "The strength of the CMV brand together with the popularity and reputation of the Marco Polo cruise ship has resulted in many letters, emails and social media messages of support and encouragement from the trade and public for which we are most grateful."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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