Cruise ship captain dies in middle of 19-day voyage as passengers told in announcement over PA & in letters to cabins
A CRUISE ship captain has died in the middle of a 19-day voyage in Asia, as passengers were told of his death in a PA announcement.
Tragic Michele Bartolomei was captaining Princess Cruises' the Diamond Princess when he suddenly died on May 19 following a medical emergency.
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The ship he was in charge of was on a 19-day South Islands Explorer voyage to countries including Japan and Korea.
Horrified passengers and crew learned of the captain's death over a shock announcement.
The ship was docked at Keelung, Taiwan at the time of the tragic revelation.
A letter was also delivered to passengers to inform them of the news, according to Nine News.
It read: "It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died on-board Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency."
The letter added: 'Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei's family during this incredibly difficult time.'
He was also described as a "respected leader" with 'decades of service at sea' in the message.
According to the captain's LinkedIn page, he had nearly 30 years of experience with the cruise liner.
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