Two Holland America crew die in engineering space incident on Nieuw Amsterdam

Authorities were notified, and the cause of the incident is being investigated, a cruise line spokesman said in a statement to Seatrade Cruise News. He added there was no fire but could not share further information. 

The incident happened at approximately 9:20 a.m. when Nieuw Amsterdam was at HAL's private island in the Bahamas.

Deeply saddened

'All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time,' the Holland America Line statement said. 'The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority. We are offering counseling services to team members who may have been affected by this incident. '

En route back to Port Everglades

Nieuw Amsterdam departed Half Moon Cay Friday evening, according to AIS data.

The ship is ending a seven-day cruise round-trip Port Everglades that embarked March 16. It is due back in Fort Lauderdale Saturday morning.