Tragic Cruise: Passenger Dies, 100+ Injured as 30-Foot Wave Hits Ship
Posted on October 30, 2024 by News Desk
In a harrowing turn of events, a luxury cruise liner, the Spirit of Discovery, encountered a deadly storm while navigating the Bay of Biscay on its return to Britain. A powerful 30-foot wave struck the vessel, resulting in the tragic death of one passenger and injuries to over 100 others, according to a preliminary Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report.
The incident occurred on November 4, 2023, as the Spirit of Discovery, operated by Saga Cruises, encountered severe force 11 winds and dangerously high waves, reaching a sea state level of 8. The liner had initially set sail from Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, with 943 passengers and 503 crew members on board. Due to adverse weather conditions, it canceled its planned stop at Las Palmas and then rerouted from La Coruña when the port was closed due to deteriorating weather. Facing limited options, the crew decided to head back to the United Kingdom.
However, as the vessel crossed the Bay of Biscay, conditions worsened dramatically, and the cruise ship’s propulsion system faltered amidst the storm. Passengers described a scene of chaos, with many clinging onto railings and furniture as the ship “veered sharply to the left and shuttered to a halt.” The ship’s propulsion safety system had activated in response to the extreme conditions, bringing the liner to an abrupt stop that left passengers struggling to stay steady amid the violent rocking of the ship.
According to the MAIB report, the Spirit of Discovery remained in perilous conditions for several hours, during which the crew worked to restart the vessel’s propulsion system. This period saw a wave of injuries among passengers, with over 100 people hurt due to the violent swaying. When the ship eventually reached Portsmouth, Hampshire, on November 5, eight seriously injured passengers were immediately transported to the hospital; tragically, one passenger later succumbed to their injuries.
The interim MAIB investigation report provides insight into the sequence of events, examining the challenges the crew faced while attempting to navigate through the storm and maintain passenger safety. The report indicates that the investigation includes a comprehensive review of the ship’s response to the storm, from the decision to avoid port stops to the preparation for navigating through heavy weather, assessing the crew’s handling of passenger injuries, vessel damage, and the medical treatment provided on board.
While the final report has yet to be released, the tragedy has raised questions about safety protocols in extreme weather and the adequacy of emergency preparedness on cruise ships. For the passengers and crew who endured the storm, the incident remains a vivid reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes perilous conditions at sea.
The Spirit of Discovery incident has sparked global concern over cruise safety and emergency response, especially in challenging weather conditions. The final MAIB report is expected to offer recommendations to strengthen onboard safety and response strategies, in hopes of preventing such a tragedy from occurring again.