[Business Insider] Four passengers have died aboard Holland America Line's stranded MS Zaandam cruise ship, according to a recording leaked to Business Insider from a sister ship sent to rescue healthy passengers."I am also sad to share that four older Zaandam guests have passed away," the captain of the MS Rotterdam said in the recording of a shipwide announcement provided to Business Insider. "Three between yesterday and last night, and one a few days ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, and the Zaandam team is doing everything they can to support them during this difficult time."
A Holland America crew member sent Business Insider a recording of the Rotterdam's captain announcing the deaths, as well as news from medical staffers confirming at least two cases of COVID-19 aboard the Zaandam.
The Rotterdam rendezvoused with the Zaandam on Thursday night off the coast of Ecuador to deliver medical supplies, including COVID-19 tests. The Rotterdam has no guests on board, but crew members on the ship have said it is staffed with 611 people.
According to a memo leaked by a Rotterdam crew member, the ship is now also tasked with rescuing healthy Zaandam guests.
The crew member sent Business Insider pictures of a printed memo dated Wednesday and titled "Rotterdam Humanitarian Mission FAQ." The rescue-response memo began with the question "Why do we need to do this?"