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UPDATE: BUS ACCIDENT IN CHILE
Miami -
(March 23, 2006 ) -
Celebrity Cruises continues to assist its guests and their family members who were affected by yesterday's tragic bus accident near Arica, Chile.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone whose lives have been touched by this tragedy," said Dan Hanrahan, president of Celebrity Cruises. "We are devastated. We will continue to do everything possible to assist our guests and their family members."
This morning, the ship observed a moment of silence, allowing guests to reflect on those involved in the accident. The ship has set aside a special room for quiet reflection, with bibles and copies of the Siddur, a book of Jewish prayers. Last night, the ship opened its phones lines and Internet access so onboard guests could communicate with their families and loved ones to apprise them of their safety.
The ship's physician, nurse and concierge dispatched to the hospital will remain in Arica to assist Chilean medical personnel, as well as family members of guests involved in the accident.
A special assistance team from the company arrived in Arica at approximately noon local time today. The team will assist injured guests and family members of the deceased. The company is also assisting family members who are interested in flying to Arica.
The guests involved in the accident were part of a larger, 64-person B'nai B'rith group from the U.S. Celebrity is working with a rabbi, who is part of the special assistance team now in Arica, to help affected guests and family members.
Millennium departed Arica at approximately 10 a.m. local time today. It delayed its departure, scheduled for 7 p.m. local time last night, to further assist authorities and allow guests the opportunity to depart the ship.
Celebrity Cruises has established two toll-free phone lines for family members of guests sailing on this cruise. Callers in North America should dial 1-888-829-4050. Callers from outside North America should dial the following number collect, 305-539-4050. These numbers are for family members only, and the company requests that the general public not use these numbers so family members of those onboard the ship may receive information in a timely manner.
Millennium departed Valparaiso, Chile, on March 19, on a 14-night sailing that is scheduled to conclude in Fort Lauderdale on April 2. Yesterday's accident occurred on the fourth day of the cruise. The ship was carrying approximately 1,536 guests and 920 crew members.
Celebrity Cruises will provide additional information regarding this matter as it becomes available. Information will also be posted on the Celebrity Cruises web site at www.celebrity.com.
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