Investigators board cruise ship after fatal explosion

Transport Accident Investigation Commission staff are on board the Emerald Princess in Dunedin after the death of a crew member yesterday.

Passengers have been told the Filipino man was filling a gas cylinder when it exploded.

TAIC says two investigators will be conducting a number of interviews with the relevant people.

Spokesman Roger Foley says they'll also be looking at the accident site.

He says TAIC's role is to find the circumstances and cause of the accident, but not to attribute blame.

Foley says it's not clear how long the investigators will need to be on the ship.

The Emerald Princess may have to move to make way for another ship so may anchor out in the harbour.

The TAIC investigators might also stay on the ship until the next port of call.