PASSENGERS ON A P&O CRUISE SHIP WERE EVACUATED FROM THEIR CABINS AT 3.30 A.M. AFTER A FIRE BROKE OUT, REPORTS SAY
- Passengers on a P&O cruise ship were evacuated from their cabins after a fire broke out on board.
- They were awoken by an emergency alarm at 3.30 a.m. and told to get their life jackets.
- There were no reported injuries and the ship is due to arrive back in Sydney on Tuesday.
Passengers on board a P&O cruise ship were evacuated from their cabins after a fire was detected on a balcony at 3.30 a.m., news.com.au reported.
A P&O representative told the outlet that the blaze was quickly dealt with. There were no injuries and damage appeared to be limited to one cabin.
According to 9News, the Pacific Adventure was carrying 3,017 passengers and 1,080 crew when the fire broke out off the coast of New South Wales, Australia.
A video showed part of the fire and footage of passengers, with one saying it was their first night on the ship.
Emma Llewllyn told 9News: "It certainly goes through your mind: 'Are we going to be getting on lifeboats? Are we evacuating the ship?'"
Llewllyn, who was traveling with her 13-year-old daughter on their first cruise, said the fire was on the deck below them and they could smell smoke in the hallways.
Passengers were awoken by an alarm and told to get their life jackets and evacuate their cabins while firefighters tackled the flames, 9News reported. They were eventually allowed back into their rooms at 5 a.m., and the ship is due to arrive in Sydney on Tuesday.
"This fire activated our emergency response procedures including a full muster of guests and crew and we thank everyone on board for their co-operation," a P&O spokesperson told Insider. They added: "The extent of the damage and the cause of the fire are yet to be fully determined and remain under investigation."