Emerald Princess held in Auckland after crew member killed
Princess Cruises has confirmed a member of its crew died when a gas cylinder exploded as staff were reinflating a raft on board the Emerald Princess.
The cruise ship has been held at port while further investigations are carried out.
The 3,082 passenger ship was docked in Port Chalmers during a 12-night tour from Sydney around New Zealand when the accident happened at around 5pm on Thursday afternoon.
It is thought to have occurred to the rear of deck nine. No-one other than the one crew member is believed to have been injured.
Passengers returning to the ship from day-long excursions were originally prevented from re-boarding, although it is understood they have since been allowed back onboard.
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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