( BW)(WINDJAMMER-BAREFOOT-CRS) Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Ltd.
Media Statement, Dated Friday, Nov. 13, 1998
 

    News Editors

    --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
 

    The following is a media statement issued by Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Ltd.:
 

    "We continue to be heartbroken at the loss of our crew members and we have been in close contact with
the family members. Although we recognize that nothing can replace the loss of their loved ones, it has
always been our intention to provide whatever assistance, financial and otherwise, that we possibly can in
this terrible time.
    "Of course, we are devastated by the accusations made by the attorneys seeking damages. There was no
negligence, no carelessness and no intention to save the ship by risking the lives of the crew. That is
categorically not true. All of our actions are supported by maritime experts who have carefully considered
the decisions made by Captain March.
    "We stand behind every decision that was made in terms of navigating this storm and we are strengthened
by the knowledge that we did everything possible to save this crew under the circumstances.
    "We follow the cardinal rule of the sea: the safety of passengers is our very first concern, the safety of the
crew is our second concern. Protecting the vessel is our third and least important concern, far outweighed
by the protection of human lives. Prior to this incident, Windjammer enjoyed a perfect fifty year record: we
have never lost a passenger or crew member. We remain deeply and profoundly saddened by the tragic loss
we, and the families of our crew members, now suffer."

     --30--lhs/mi

     CONTACT:  SAMCOR Communications, Coral Gables, Fla.
               Cori Zywotow Rice or Roxanne St. Claire
               305/443-5454

     KEYWORD:  FLORIDA
     INDUSTRY KEYWORD:  TRAVEL/AIRLINES TRANSPORTATION