LIMA — Five crew members are missing after an explosion onboard Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Amazon caused the ship to sink on Saturday.

The accident occurred during the regular Saturday supplying and turn-around hours for re-stocking of the vessel, according to a statement from Aqua Expeditions.

“No passengers were onboard but some of the crew have been hurt and up to five are declared missing. All efforts are being made to get a better understanding of the status of the missing crew. The entire operations team is on the ground providing logistical support with local emergency services,” said the cruise company.

“These are difficult times for us and we are grateful for the show of support we have received to date. Our principal focus now is on our staff and their families.

“We would like to assure all our partners that Aqua Expeditions dedication to safety is steadfast and that our other cruisers are operating normally.”

Passengers scheduled to depart Saturday on the Aqua Amazon were reassigned to the Aria Amazon and other river cruisers.

For any further sales and reservations issues regarding passengers’ queries, agents and consumers are asked to call 1-866-603-3687, or e-mail reservations@aquaexpeditions.com.

The accident comes just two days after another Amazon river cruise ship, Delfin Amazon Cruises’ Amazon Discovery, was attacked by Peruvian pirates. Eight men ambushed the ship in the middle of the night, pistol-whipped the 65-year old captain and robbed passengers of some US$20,000 in cash and valuables.