The woman, believed to be from the Eastern Cape, was working on the cruise ship and was on duty when she was found dead.
DURBAN – Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating the death of a 29-year-old woman cruise member on the MSC cruise ship in Durban on Thursday.
National police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that according to information they received the woman, believed to be from the Eastern Cape, was working on the cruise ship and was on duty when she was found dead.
“The police on Maydon Wharf have registered an inquest docket and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death,” he said.
The public relations manager at MSC Cruises in South Africa, Lebo Mavuso, told Independent Media that the company was appealing to the media to give the family privacy.
“We have been in communication with her family and extend our deepest condolences to them for their loss. The death, which we believe to have been of an accidental nature, is being investigated by the local authorities and we will continue to provide every assistance,” she said.
Mavuso said the company would not be revealing the woman’s identity or details.
When reporters arrived at the MSC Cruises terminal on Friday, security officers refused access to the premises.
A friend and colleague of the woman said she was found in a pool of blood. She apparently had injuries to her neck and head, and had bled to death.
A report issued on Friday by the crew centre said: “There was a medical emergency announcement over the ship’s public address system, and medical staff went to help the crew member, but could not save her.”
According to the crew centre, the woman was working in the mess and that this was her first contract on the MSC liner.
The MSC Orchestra resumed cruises to South Africa in January after pausing operations for a month. The ship is sailing three and four-night voyages from Durban.
