Filipino Crew Member Dies After Falling Ill on Cruise Ship

A 60-year-old Filipino crew member has died after becoming seriously ill while working aboard a cruise ship during a port call in Chios, Greece.

According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the crew member, who was employed as an engine room welder, fell ill on the morning of July 16 while the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel was docked in Chios. Emergency medical personnel from EKAB responded to the incident and transported him by ambulance to Chios General Hospital, however despite the efforts of hospital staff, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.

Greek authorities have opened a preliminary investigation into the incident. The Chios Port Authority has also instructed the Chios Forensic Service to carry out an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death.

The Coast Guard has not identified the cruise ship involved. However, publicly available vessel tracking data indicates that the only Marshall Islands-flagged cruise ship visiting Chios on July 16 was Azamara Onward, which is currently sailing a 10-day Eastern Mediterranean itinerary between Piraeus and Istanbul.

Authorities have not released any details about the circumstances that led to the crew member’s illness, and there has been no indication that foul play is suspected.