Two port workers were killed in an accident involving Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas in the Caribbean island of St Kitts.
They were reported to be assisting with the unberthing process of the ship when their boat overturned as the ship was pulling out of port.
Eyewitnesses suggest that the ship may have pulled out before the men had enough time to clear the area.
The small boat was apparently swamped and capsized.
The ship’s departure on Wednesday was delayed by four hours as crew assisted in the search for the men.
The incident is under investigation by the St Kitts Air and Sea Port Authority.
A Royal Caribbean spokeswoman told Seatrade Insider: “We offered our full assistance during the search for the two private company crew members and continue to offer our assistance as the incident is investigated.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the crew members for their loss.”