A CRUISE ship captain has died in the middle of a 19-day voyage in Asia, as passengers were told of his death in a PA announcement.

Tragic Michele Bartolomei was captaining Princess Cruises’ the Diamond Princess when he suddenly died on May 19 following a medical emergency.

The ship he was in charge of was on a 19-day South Islands Explorer voyage to countries including Japan and Korea.

Horrified passengers and crew learned of the captain’s death over a shock announcement.

The ship was docked at Keelung, Taiwan at the time of the tragic revelation.

A letter was also delivered to passengers to inform them of the news, according to Nine News.

It read: “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died on-board Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency.”

The letter added: “Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”

He was also described as a “respected leader” with “decades of service at sea” in the message.

After the captain’s sudden passing, captain Salvatore Macera took command of the Diamond Princess ship for the rest of its journey.

The letter told passengers that their “commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority”.

It said: “Our highly experienced and professional bridge team is fully capable and will ensure the remainder of our journey continues as planned.”

Passengers were reportedly woken up in the early hours of the morning to sounds of an announcement asking the medical team to rush to the medical centre.

Bartolomei lived in Canada and studied at nautical schools in Italy.

According to the captain’s LinkedIn page, he had nearly 30 years of experience with the cruise liner.

His profile says: “Captain with Princess cruises, working for this great company since August 1995, just over 25 years.”

Many took to social media to express their condolences to Bartolomei’s family.

One social media user said: “Heart breaking news. I am so sorry for his family and also for the staff and crew members on that ship.”

Another claimed to know the captain’s wife and said: “Thoughts to his family. I worked with his wife on princess back in the day. So very tragic for this family.”