1.
AV PAN Stricken ship along straits of Georgia
0.13

2.
AC Passengers being evacuated in life boats (2 shots)
0.27

3.
AV Fire fighting vessel alongside ship (3 shots)
0.50

4.
GV Passengers being evacuated in life-boats
0.54

5.
GV Smoke pouring from front of ship
1.00

6.
AV Helicopters & escort vessel alongside ship (2 shots)
1.12



Initials SGM/1919 SGM/1930


T'RECORDING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Passengers aboard a Norwegian cruise ship had to abandon the vessel on saturday (22 May) when flames and smoke engulfed part of it following an explosion. The 66 passengers all escaped in life boats, but it was reported by crew members that 13 of the ship's complement had died. The explosion occurred in the forward quarter, where the crew was accommodated. The vessel has been reported listing sharply to one side, and in danger of capsing
This story was telerecorded from the National Broadcasting Company whose narration has been transcribed in the commentary.

SYNOPSIS: Thirteen crew members are reporter to have died when a Norwegian cruise ship caught fire on Saturday off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia. There was apparently an explosion, following which flames and smoke engulfed the ship. The 66 passengers aboard the "Meteor" were evacuated safely. At the time of the incident, an Alaskan state ferry was within 5 miles of the stricken vessel. But members of the crew who were also rescued have said that thirteen, if not more of their crew mates died in the fire. The explosion occurred in the front of the ship, where the crew's quarters are situated. But the fire was confined to the front of the ship.

Later it was reported that the Meteor was still on fire and in danger of capsing. At one point she was working her way down to Vancouver under her own power, listing 9 degrees to starboard. But this since increased to 16 degrees, and vessels alongside were ordered away in case the Meteor listed over completely.