There were unconfirmed news reports of, variously, 11 or 12 deaths, citing a Quintana Roo state official. Neither Costa Maya nor Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has confirmed any fatalities.
In an official statement Costa Maya said the 18 people who were injured on Bus 1012 were taken to four hospitals, and five people have been discharged. The nationalities of the passengers are US, Italian, Swedish and Brazilian.
News footage from Mexico showed the bus on its side, with ambulances and police on hand. Some people stood or sat on the roadside, and belongings were scattered around. The weather was clear and the pavement dry.
The accident occurred at Km. 5 of the Mahahual-Cafetal highway, when passengers were on en route to the Chacchoben ruins.
'Our hearts go out to all those involved in the bus accident in Costa Maya. We are doing all we can to care for our guests, including assisting with medical care and transportation,' Royal Caribbean said in a statement.
The company added: 'We are working with the local authorities to learn more about the accident.'
Celebrity Equinox is on a seven-night cruise that departed PortMiami on Saturday. Serenade of the Seas is on a seven-night cruise that sailed from Port Everglades on Friday.
Costa Maya said the injured were taken to Carranza Hospital in Chetumal, Costa Med Hospital in Mahahual, Costa Med Hospital in Tulum and Centro Comunitario de Bacalar.
The port said it has a representative in every hospital, as well as officials from the government of Quintana Roo and insurance companies to assist.
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