AN East Lancashire couple were in shock today after hearing that the luxury cruiseliner they holidayed on last week had caught fire and sunk while carrying some of the new-found friends they made on board.

Maureen and Steve Kay, of Booth Road, Waterfoot, spent an idyllic week cruising around Singapore, Phuket, and Malaysia on the five star Sun Vista.

Last night the ship sank on an identical voyage carrying 1100 people including 146 British passengers. Sixty two of the Britons booked the cruise through Tradewinds, a company which is based at the Globe Centre, Accrington, and is part of the Airtours group.

The Kays returned to Rossendale on Saturday and were already planning their next trip on the vessel only to hear that all the crew and passengers were forced to flee.

Today Maureen said: "I just couldn't believe it when I heard the news. We made friends with a couple from New Zealand when we were on board and they rang me this morning with the news. It is such a shock.

"Apparently there was a fire in the engine room and the captain put out a mayday call. The Gemini, another cruiseliner nearby tried to get to the ship but by the time it got there the ship had already disappeared and the passengers had been picked up by ferries and cargo ships."

Maureen, 52, and her husband Steve, 51, managing director of Rossendale-based K Supplies, had planned to take the dream holiday with their daughter Kimberley, but she had to pull out at the last minute because of work commitments.

Maureen said: "The ship was fantastic. We have been on the QE2 and the Oriana, but even though the Sun Vista was smaller the service was every bit as good. I just can't believe it has gone.

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