Captain Michele Bartolomei, Master of the Diamond Princess, died unexpectedly onboard the ship early Monday morning at the age of 52. His death occurred while the vessel was docked in Keelung, Taiwan, midway through a 19-day Southern Islands Explorer cruise that had departed from Yokohama, Japan.
The incident began around 2am when a ship-wide announcement was made requesting the medical response team to report to the medical center on Deck 4. Initial details were limited, and many passengers were unaware of the severity of the situation until later in the morning, when the captain’s passing was officially confirmed through a public announcement.
Captain Bartolomei had served as a senior officer with Princess Cruises and was widely known and respected throughout the fleet. His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief among passengers and crew onboard the Diamond Princess, where he was recognised as a steady and experienced leader.
In response to the loss, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera has assumed command of the vessel. The ship continues to operate on its scheduled itinerary, though the mood onboard has shifted as passengers and crew process the unexpected event.
The Diamond Princess arrived in Taipei on May 19 as planned, with onboard activities and operations continuing under the guidance of the new acting captain.
Princess Cruises has not released further details regarding the cause of death.