Fire erupts on Heritage Singers anniversary cruise

[Stan]

(THANKS TO GEORGE JOHNSON from the NAD)

According to a CNN.com report, a fire broke out today (Thursday) on the

Star Princess cruise ship that was headed to Jamaica from Fort

Lauderdale, FL. The cruise ship departed Florida this past Sunday.

Apparently, the Heritage Singers based in Placerville, California, were

on board along with approximately 80 other guests they had invited for

their Anniversary Cruise celebrating 35 years in the ministry.

According to the Princess Cruise Line, the fire began around 3:10 a.m.

The cruise ship was carrying a total of 2,690 passengers and 1,123 crew

members. The fire affected the passenger decks 9 through 12 - which hold

about 100 cabins.

The cruise ship has been docked in Montego Bay, Jamaica. All of the

Heritage Singers are all right and none suffered any injuries. They will

return to California in the next few days.

Unfortunately, one person died as a result of a heart attack, according

to cruise line officials. This person was not with the invited guests of

the Heritage Singers. Family members of passengers can call the Cruise

Line at (800) 693-7222 for more information.

For the complete CNN story, please visit

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/03/23/ship.fire/index.html

[bevin]

I think I heard the authorities say they suspect a cigarette - in which case, it sure wasn't one of the Heritage Singers!

/Bevin

[Derrell M]

Wow! Fire strikes twice. On another occasion their plane caught on fire in Guatemala.

[Halfstep Denise]

When the news anchorman on KTVU-Oakland, said this morning that a "gospel singing group based in Placerville" was onboard the Princess cruise that had the fire, I knew he had to be talking about the Heritage Singers. Immediately I checked their website and there was a short statement about the fire.

It's a very bittersweet feeling I am experiencing right now. Thankful that everyone in the Heritage group is safe and unhurt, but at the same time, my thoughts and prayers are for those who were injured and for the family of the gentleman who died.

Halfstep Denise

Northern California

[CyberGuy]

When I read about that fire I was concerned. My step daughter had left Florida on a cruise in the carribean the same day this ship took off and to the same areas. I called my wife but it was a different ship who sailed from Miami on a norweagian cruise line. My step daughters ship sailed into Jamaica the same day as this ship did and docked opposite from this ship. From deck they had a fine view of the fire damage to the other ship opposite them in the harbor. It was a sobering sight my step daughter reported.