TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (13 Jan 2009) — A cruise ship company suspended scuba activities with a PADI dive shop in Tortola after a passenger died while scuba diving with the facility. Authorities declined to identify the victim and the PADI dive shop but confirmed that a male passenger aboard the Oceana cruise ship suffered fatal injuries while scuba diving with a local dive operator. A statement by P&O Cruises, which owns and operates the 77,000-ton, 2,016 passenger Oceana, said it has suspended sales of the scuba diving excursion pending an investigation of the fatal accident. "Onboard sales of that particular excursion have been suspended pending an investigation...the dive was for PADI certified and experienced divers only and was operated in full cooperation with PADI best practice and procedures." P&O's statement also expressed condolences to the family of the scuba diving accident victim. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the man's family and our Care team has been providing support and practical assistance." |