NTSB to Reveal Factual Reports in Norway Cruise Ship Boiler Explosion in Miami

As part of its continuing investigation into the boiler explosion aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel NORWAY while moored in Port of Miami in Miami, Florida, the National Transportation Safety Board will open a public docket and release a series of factual reports on Friday, April 29, at 11 am.

On May 25, 2003, the Bahamian-flag passenger ship NORWAY was moored in Port of Miami in Miami, Florida, with 911 crewmembers and 2,135 passengers waiting to disembark. About 6:37 a.m., a boiler exploded, releasing about 20 tons of water, which rapidly expanded into saturated steam. The expanding water vapor breached the crew living areas on two decks, displacing bulkheads and blowing doors and their frames out.

As a result of this accident, 8 crewmembers died and another 17 crewmembers sustained serious and minor injuries.

The information being released is factual in nature and does not provide any analysis. It will include investigative group factual reports, photos, interview transcripts, and other documents from the investigation. Additional material will be added to the docket as it becomes available.

Analysis of the accident, along with conclusions and a determination of probable cause, will come at a later date when the final report on the investigation is completed.