One dead in Caribbean ship fire

The fire swept through dozens of luxury cabins

One person has been killed and 11 injured in a fire that broke out on a luxury cruise liner in the Caribbean.

The Star Princess was en route from Grand Cayman to Jamaica when the blaze started in a cabin, the ship's operator, Princess Cruises, said.

The fire, which has now been put out, spread to several cabins of the US-owned vessel, which was carrying 2,690 passengers and 1,123 crew.

The ship was on a week-long cruise that left Florida on 19 March.

The fire broke out at 0310 local time in "the passenger accommodations and spread to adjacent cabins," Princess Cruises said in a statement.

"We deeply regret having to confirm that there has been one passenger fatality following a cardiac arrest."

Two passengers had "significant smoke inhalation injuries" and nine others "minor complications", the statement said.

The company said the cause of the fire was unknown.

The liner has now arrived in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and an investigation is being carried out, the company said.

Star Princess sailed from Fort Lauderdale on a Caribbean itinerary with ports of call in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and Princess Cays.

Princess Cruises is owned by the Carnival Corp.