With most cruise ships carrying thousands of people at any given time, cruise ship medical teams are well equipped to handle many types of medical emergencies that may occur on board.
Each ship is typically staffed with full-time registered doctors and nurses, who are on-call 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.
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Usually, when emergencies happen, it’s passengers who need medical assistance, and sometimes passengers will hear a medical emergency call over the ship’s onboard PA system.
Passengers on board Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess who heard one of these announcements in the very early hours of May 19 assumed that a passenger needed urgent medical care.
But as they prepared to depart the ship for a port day in Keelung, Taiwan, later that morning, they were shocked to learn the devastating news that they had lost their beloved captain overnight.
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Diamond Princess Captain Michele Bartolomei (left) served at sea with Princess Cruises for nearly 30 years.
Image source: Princess Cruises on Facebook
Princess Cruises captain tragically passes away mid-voyage
Diamond Princess Captain Michele Bartolomei passed away on May 19 after a sudden medical emergency while the ship was in Taiwan during a 19-day Southern Islands Explorer voyage that departed from Yokohama, Japan.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died onboard Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency,” Princess Cruises wrote in a letter to passengers sailing aboard the ship.
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“Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei’s family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them,” the letter noted. “We also stand in support of the entire Diamond Princess crew and all employees across our company who had the honor of working alongside him.”
The Italian captain was approaching his 30th anniversary with Princess Cruises.
Captain Bartolomei was beloved, respected by many
“Captain Bartolomei was a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew,” Princess Cruises wrote in its letter to passengers.
In online tributes, passengers and crew members also remembered him fondly as a respected captain and great man who was loved by many.
Early this year, Princess Cruises shared a heartwarming moment with Captain Bartolomei and Captain Mario Consentino from the Crown Princess as the two Italian captains and longtime friends enjoyed an espresso overlooking Sydney Harbour when their “Love Boats” met there for the first time ever. It was also the first time the two friends had seen each other in nearly a decade.
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As the Diamond Princess continues on its voyage, which is scheduled to return to Yokohama on May 25, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera has taken over command of the ship.
“Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority. Our highly experienced and professional bridge team is fully capable and will ensure the remainder of our journey continues as planned,” Princess Cruises assured passengers.
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