A Bit of Cruise History Sinks in the Atlantic

The ocean claimed a piece of cruise history last week when the 42-year-old SeaBreeze I, which was last operated by Premier Cruise Lines, sank in 50-knot winds and high seas 200 miles off Virginia. There were no passengers on board. All 34 crew members were rescued, the U.S. Coast Guard said. It added that the ship lost power and started taking on water before sinking. The cause was not immediately known.

The 600-foot-long ship, which could hold up to 844 passengers, was traveling from Boston to Charleston, S.C., for engine repairs. Premier, known for its Big Red Boat family-oriented cruises from Florida, suspended operations in September after its mortgage holder seized its five ships as collateral.