St. Petersburg, Florida -- After two years of being best
friends, Jeanne and Michael Myers finally got married March
18th, planning their wedding following Michael’s return
from Iraq.
Jeanne Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“I had to plan based on hoping the army was going
to give him the time off.”
The day after their picture perfect wedding, the newlyweds
set sail aboard the ‘Star Princess’ for a seven
day, four stop cruise through the Caribbean. It was meant
to be quality relaxing time together before Michael would
be called back to active duty.
Jeanne Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“All I wanted was to get to the cruise.”
Michael Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“We got this nice honeymoon package, a bottle of wine
was in the room, some roses, the whole nine yards.”
But the honeymoon came to an early end early Thursday morning.
Michael Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“We were both in a dead sleep and we heard a buzz
go off, a very loud siren and we both kind of wake up and
look at each other.”
Jeanne Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“The crew was completely frazzled…I could tell
they were panicked in their eyes.”
The ship had caught fire and it was out of control. Jeannie
and Michael were ordered to evacuate as crew members prepared
the lifeboats.
Jeanne Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“They had said in our practice run that that is the
last resort, they don’t want people to get off the
ship unless it’s devastating, and when they said they
were preparing the lifeboats. That hit me really hard.”
Michael Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“Your thinking am I actually going to have to get
off and float around at sea until somebody finds me?”
The fire was eventually put out, but not before leading
to one person’s death, injuring 11 others, and destroying
close to 150 cabins. Michael and Jeannie were told to stay
on board and only got to spend one evening in Jamaica before
flying home. Despite the disappointment, the couple say
they’re now closer than ever, and have even learned
a lesson or two about life along the way.
Jeanne Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“My grandfather always told me when things get rough,
cling together, don’t let it tear you apart…
We’re going to make it through as long as we’re
together.”
Michael Myers, Cruise Ship Fire Survivor:
“This is definitely going to be something for the
children and the grandchildren about the honeymoon that
just went bust.”
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