Passenger Dies and Over 100 Injured After Cruise Ship Hit by 30ft Wave
A tragic incident occurred when a passenger died and more than 100 others were injured after a cruise ship, the Spirit of Discovery, was struck by a massive 30ft wave, as reported by Wales Online. The cruise liner, operated by Saga Cruises, was on its way back to the UK across the Bay of Biscay on November 4, 2023, when it encountered severe storm-force winds.
Immediately upon arrival at Portsmouth, eight people were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Passengers who lived through the harrowing experience recalled having to “hold on for dear life” as the storm battered the luxury vessel, causing it to dangerously sway and abruptly stop.
An interim report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) revealed that one of the passengers who was hospitalised eventually succumbed to their injuries. Before the ship encountered the storm, it had to skip its stop at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria due to worsening weather conditions and was redirected to La Corona, Spain, which was then closed off because of adverse weather.
The report indicated that at the time of the incident, the Spirit of Discovery carried 943 passengers and 503 crew members and was departing from Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. The ship faced force 11 winds and a very high sea state rated as eight during the turbulent journey.
According to the MAIB’s findings, at around 12.30 am on November 4, 2023, the Spirit of Discovery experienced propulsion failure in the midst of heavy weather while traversing the Bay of Biscay. The crew grappled with restarting the ship’s propulsion systems, leading to violent movements on the vessel. The report stated, “The propulsion issues, storm force conditions and vessel motions continued until the following morning when Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage. During this period, over 100 passengers were injured.”
The investigation delved into various aspects of the incident, including the ship’s planned route, preparations for navigating adverse weather, onboard response to passenger injuries and damages, and medical treatment provided to the injured passengers. The Mirror reported that the interim report affirmed that the investigation is nearing completion, with a comprehensive report to be issued for consultation with relevant parties.
Passengers on board recounted the terrifying moments when they were instructed to either remain seated or lie down while gripping anything they could for stability. The emergency stop caused chaos, with items like books, tables, and furniture strewn across the floors as the ship battled the intense storm.
A representative from Saga expressed condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and informed that all passengers on the voyage received a full reimbursement. The cruise company assured their continued cooperation with the MAIB’s investigation.
The distressing incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can befall even the most well-equipped vessels at sea. It highlights the bravery and resilience of both passengers and crew members in facing such extreme circumstances.