The scale of the Regal Princess in Vigo was marked by a tragic event: A Canadian passenger died on board while the ship remained docked at the Transatlantic dock.
According to sources close to the investigation, the woman, who was retired, suffered an illness aggravated by previous ailments; the body was unloaded and taken to the Institute of Legal Medicine of Galicia (Imelga) to perform the autopsy, while the cruise ship maintained its travel plan and sailed as planned.
Chronology of events
The episode occurred during the night on board the mega cruise ship, when the affected person suffered a sudden illness which, due to his medical history, resulted in a fatal outcome despite the care received.
The disembarkation of the body was carried out discreetly at the Vigo Port Authority's cruise terminal, with the coordination of the Port Police and local emergency services, without any additional incidents reported on the boat.
Autopsy and judicial proceedings
Forensic experts from Imelga in Vigo carry out the forensic examination, standard procedure for deaths occurring on foreign vessels docked in Spanish waters, in order to determine the exact cause of death.
The Investigating Court number 1 of Vigo authorized the removal of the body and supervised the procedures, a key step for the repatriation to Canada once the forensic certification is issued.
The Regal Princess and its stopover in Vigo
The Regal Princess, operated by Princess Cruises and with the flag of the Bermuda Islands, is a large vessel that moves around 142.000 tonnes and measures approximately 330 meters in length, with capacity for more than 3.000 passengers and nearly 1.800 crew members.
He is not a regular visitor to the port of Vigo, so his presence generated excitement among travelers and local businesses; Port Authority of Vigo managed the stopover normally despite the tragic event.
Itinerary of the transatlantic route
The cruise is part of a three-week voyage that departed from Southampton with final destination in Galveston (Texas), a long-haul route that combines Atlantic stops before crossing to America.
After completing the protocols in Vigo, the Regal Princess continued its route and set sail for Madeira, without changes in the shipping company's planned schedule.
Reactions and protocols on board
The company activated its support protocols and assistance to passengers and crew potentially affected by the emotional impact of the event, maintaining on-board activity within normal limits.
These types of incidents are rare, but can occur on long journeys where the average age of travelers is high; prevention and medical care on ships of this size are designed to respond quickly.
The death of the Canadian tourist on the Regal Princess during her stopover in Vigo is being investigated as a case compatible with natural causes; with the autopsy in progressThe voyage continued without incident, and authorities are working on the necessary repatriation procedures, while the port and shipping company maintain normal operations.
