New Zealand authorities start probe into cruise ship death

New Zealand's investigators on Friday began a probe into how a Filipino crew member died while a Bermuda-registered cruise ship was docked in the South Island city of Dunedin.

Police were called to the port late Thursday after reports that a gas cylinder had exploded on the Emerald Princess cruise ship, killing the unnamed Filipino man.

Two Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) investigators arrived at the ship in Port Chalmers early Friday, said a TAIC statement.

"The Bermuda authorities where the ship is registered have been informed that an investigation by the commission is underway," it said.

"At this stage, it's not known how long the investigators will be on board or whether the ship will move from its current berth."

Police inspector Jason Guthrie said Thursday that the matter had been referred to the local coroner. Endit