Princess news release (whale incident)

[Colo Cruiser]

News Article

 

7/25/2009

 

 

Sapphire Princess Statement

 

 

This morning at 6:30 am as Sapphire Princess was preparing to dock in Vancouver, a dead whale was discovered on top of the bulbous bow, the part of the bow that goes through the water.

We were shocked and saddened by this discovery, and sincerely regret the circumstances which led to the whale's death. It is unknown how or when this could have happened, as we have strict whale avoidance procedures in place when our ships are in the vicinity of marine life. We are not aware that any whales were sighted as the ship sailed through the Inside Passage to Vancouver yesterday.

Upon discovering the whale, we notified the Canadian Coast Guard, and they have asked for the assistance of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. We will cooperate with any investigation into the circumstances of the whale's death. We take our responsibility to be good stewards of the marine environment very seriously, and have clear guidelines for our ships on how to operate if whales are sighted nearby, which include altering course and reducing speed as required.

[Druke I]

Well, if nothing else, it is a smart move on Princess' part to put something out about the incident.

 

To remain silent would tend to make some think that somehow Princess was attempting a cover-up.

[TracieABD]

Thanks for providing another dimension to this issue.