Cruise ship worker who fell to his death from luxury Viking Mars liner pictured

24 August 2023 , 10:00

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Wenceslao Esguerra Donasco fell to his death from the Viking Mars cruise ship

A man working on a cruise ship who died after falling from the deck of the Viking Mars liner has been named Wenceslao Donasco.

The Filipino national, who was in his 40s, died after falling from the Viking Mars liner the Highlands. He had been working on board the vessel when it was docked at Invergordon on August 11. A helicopter, trauma team and critical care paramedic scrambled to the scene at 11am. Medics were dispatched to Saltburn Pier where the vessel was moored. Wenceslao was airlifted to hospital but he sadly died a few hours later at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Wenceslao Esguerra Donasco's colleagues described him 'like a brother'

Wenceslao Esguerra Donasco sadly died in hospital

Heartbroken crewmates said the sailor was “like a brother” and they have set up a memorial for their lost colleague, the Daily Record reports. The ship, which belongs to the Viking Cruises company, takes passengers on luxury trips across the Atlantic and throughout Europe. The 47,800-ton vessel can accommodate around 930 passengers in 464 cabins and boasts eight restaurants. It also features two pools and a spa within its 14 decks. More than 460 crew work on the massive ship.

A Viking Cruises spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm a crew member passed away following an incident in Scotland on 18 August. We shared our deepest sympathies with the crew member's family and are working to ensure they have the support they need during this difficult time. Viking's focus remains on the safety and well-being of our crew and guests. Our operations team is working with local authorities to determine how this occurred."

A Police Scotland spokesperson previously said: “Around 11am on Friday, 18 August 2023, police received a report of a man having fallen from a ship at Saltburn Pier in Invergordon. Emergency services attended and the man was taken by helimed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The Health and Safety Executive has been made aware."The incident is being investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

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