Port Miami Boat Accident Closes Harbor, Cruises Delayed
Carnival PortMiami Update (11:30 a.m.)
PortMiami remains closed and the ship is still awaiting clearance to sail in. Due to limited seating capacity, please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you receive our final update.
While you wait, you may visit one of the local areas, such as Bayside Marketplace, South Beach, Wynwood, Downtown Miami, and Brickell neighborhoods.
We will post a US$20, per person, onboard credit so you can enjoy lunch on us today.
The next update to be issued by Carnival Crusie Line will be by 1:00 PM ET.
Carnival Cruise Line issues Update (10:00 a.m.)
PortMiami is still closed to all marine traffic. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide another update by 12:00 PM (ET). Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you receive our final update. We apologize for the delay. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.
Port Miami Closed to Cruise Ships (9:15 a.m.)
A Port Miami boat accident in the early hours of Sunday morning has delayed the arrival of all PortMiami cruise ships and cargo vessels.
According to a social media report by local news affiliate WPLG, the incident involved a car Ferry. “One man dead, a second pulled from the water, after 30-foot boat collided with a Fisher Island car ferry in the Government Cut channel around 3:40 this morning,” tweeted reporter (and self-proclaimed cruise lover) Trent Kelly. “Surviving victim was taken to Ryder Trauma in serious condition.”
He added that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee are in charge of the currently-unfolding investigation.
Currently, approximately 15,000 cruise passengers are waiting out the closure in the anchorage area of PortMiami, along with numerous cargo vessels. The closure will also impact all cruise guests embarking on Sunday afternoon.
Miami Boat Accident Delays Cruisers
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald posted the following on his Facebook page: “I know many of you reading this are excited to be joining our flagship today, so I felt it important that I share this with you.”
It went on to say, “As a result of a boating incident, PortMiami is currently closed to all marine traffic and Carnival Celebration will be delayed docking this morning.”
In a text to booked guests, Carnival asked that they not arrive at the cruise port until advised that they should do so. The hope is that the terminal will not become overrun with embarking and disembarking guests by delaying the arrival of embarking passengers. Heald promised a further update by noon.
Carnival Celebration, Norwegian Escape, and MSC Seascape are awaiting entrance.
This story will be updated as further details are released.
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