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Diamond Princess captain dies unexpectedly during cruise
Captain Michele Bartolomei of the Diamond Princess died during a cruise in Taiwan. Passenger safety remains guaranteed.
Diamond Princess captain dies unexpectedly during cruise
The captain of the “Diamond Princess,” Michele Bartolomei, died on May 19, 2025 while on a cruise. This happened in the port of Keelung, Taiwan, where Bartolomei succumbed to a sudden medical emergency. At the time, the boat was on a 19-day voyage through Asia that included stops in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. The 52-year-old was about to celebrate his 30th anniversary with Princess Cruises, where he worked for almost three decades.
The incident occurred on the night of May 19 when a distress call was sent over the onboard speaker system at 2 a.m. to alert paramedics on Deck 4. Passengers initially did not notice the critical situation. In the morning they learned of his death as they entered Taipei harbor. Princess Cruises confirmed the incident in an official statement.
Reactions on board
After Bartolomei's death, all passengers received a letter in their cabins in which the crew expressed their "deep sadness" over the loss. It was also announced that Staff Captain Salvatore Macera would take command of the ship. Macera emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers was the top priority. Current travel plans call for the cruise to continue as scheduled in Yokohama until May 25th.
The entire crew, who were seen by many passengers as the captain's “second family,” were greatly affected by his sudden departure. The shipping company Princess Cruises has also promised support for the crew and the family of the late captain.
About the “Diamond Princess”
The “Diamond Princess” was commissioned in 2004 and sails under the British flag. The ship can accommodate around 2,700 passengers and became known during the corona pandemic in 2020 when it was quarantined in Yokohama. The current trip to Asia with several stopovers is a welcome change for many passengers, despite the tragic incident.
Bartolomei's cause of death is currently unknown. He lived in Canada and had a passion for fishing. News of his death was shared on social media and the crew expressed their condolences to Bartolomei's family. A tragic day that leaves the cruise line and passengers in mourning.
The full incident report is at Cologne City Gazette while RTL presents further details about the medical emergency and its effects: RTL.