From St Lucia Times

Three persons are reported dead following an engine room fire on board the cruise vessel, Insignia, which was berthed in the Castries harbor, well placed sources have told the Times.

According to the sources, two of the dead were contractors and the other, a crew member.

Investigators suspect they may have died from smoke inhalation, it is reported.

The Times has been reliably informed that post mortem examinations will be conducted on the bodies next week.

In the meantime, it is understood that arrangements are being made to fly as many passengers as possible out of Saint Lucia via charter, since carbon dioxide gas was used to fight the engine room fire and emergency officials have not yet given the all clear aboard the vessel.

The Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority said in a statement earlier today that at approximately 9:10 a.m. a fire started in the engine room of the Insignia.

“We have a procedure in place for such an emergency. The situation is under control, and we are working with local authorities, ship and local agent,” the statement said.

For more on this story go to: http://www.stluciatimes.com/article/three-dead-cruise-ship-fire