Explosion Injures Passengers Onboard Royal Caribbean Ship

Several passengers were injured after an explosion occurred near a Royal Caribbean ship docked in Gibraltar.

In a statement released today, Royal Caribbean says the Independence of the Seas was docked alongside the pier at the port of Gibraltar when a nearby fuel tank exploded. The cruise line also said that the ship immediately retracted the gangway and moved away from the pier to safety.

Ten passengers have received medical treatment onboard the ship. Royal Caribbean describes the passenger’s injuries a “minor.”

Officials say the blast was most likely caused by a spark from welding taking place on the tank, but they are not ruling out the possibility of an attack until a full investigation is complete.

Flames, several feet high shot into the sky and sent thick black smoke into the air.

In addition to the 10 passengers, two others were injured, one seriously. The serious injury was to the man doing the welding – he is being treated at nearby hospital, the other was a police officer that was injured during a rescue attempt.

Air transportation to and from Gibraltar was temporarily suspended and offices in the port were evacuated as a precaution.
 

Independence of the Seas experience no damages, and is continuing on its itinerary to Cannes, France.