The following is the text of a press release issued by the National Transportation Safety Board:
(WASHINGTON) — The investigation of the fire that occurred in an engine room of the Carnival Splendor on November 8 is being investigated by Panama, the country under which the vessel was flagged.
Since the majority of passengers aboard the Carnival Splendor were citizens of the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard requested to join the investigation, and Panama consented.
The Coast Guard requested that the National Transportation Safety Board provide them with technical assistance. The NTSB and Coast Guard frequently work together on marine accident investigations, and the NTSB responded by providing two experts to assist the Coast Guard in their involvement in Panama’s investigation.
All information on the progress of the investigation will be released by the Panama Maritime Authority.
