The 656 passengers on the 30,300-gt Insignia (built 1998) were evacuated during the incident on Thursday.

Another crewman was taken to hospital and the cruise cancelled, according to the shipowner.

Insignia had departed San Juan in Puerto Rico, on Sunday for a 10-day cruise and was scheduled to arrive in Miami on 17 December, the Guardian reported.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred this morning on Insignia,” the company said.

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