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Investigation launched into Alaska cruise excursion tragedy
Eight U.S. passengers on a Holland America Line cruise have been killed in a light aircraft crash in Alaska in which the pilot also died.
The single-engine prop seaplane was on a shore excursion near Ella Lake in the Misty Fjords area.
Efforts to recover their bodies have been hampered by bad weather.
The passengers had been on the Holland America ship Westerdam, which had left Seattle on Saturday on a seven-day Alaska cruise.
Holland America issued a statement which said: "All of us at Holland America Line are incredibly saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those lost in this tragic accident."
The names of the passengers and crew member have not been released, pending notification of their next of kin.
Promech Air, which was operating the flight, said a full investigation was now underway into the cause of the crash.
"There is nothing I can say that can alleviate the pain and overwhelming sense of loss that we and the loved ones of those affected are feeling," said Marcus Sessoms, president of Promech Air.
"At this moment, all of us share the pain and anguish of this terrible event. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to everyone touched by this tragedy.
"During this time of grief, our employees are working to do everything we can to extend support and assistance to the loved ones of those affected."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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