A cruise passenger on Saga’s Spirit of Discovery died from injuries sustained when the ship was caught in force 11 winds last year, an interim report has revealed.
The passenger was among more than 100 who were injured when the ship was hit by the storm in the Bay of Biscay on 4 November 2023.
Eight were taken to hospital, including to one who later died of their injuries, according to the report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
There were 943 passengers and 503 crew members on board when the ship ‘lost propulsion in heavy weather’, causing it to move ‘violently while the crew restarted the vessel’s propulsion’, the report said.
The issues, combined with storm-force conditions, lasted from about 12:30 GMT on 4 November until the following morning. The ship also suffered internal and external damage.
The Times reports the Spirit of Discovery had already cancelled a visit to Las Palmas as the weather worsened, and was heading towards A Coruña in Spain when that port was closed because of the storm.
The report said: “At about 12.30 on November 4, 2023, the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery lost propulsion in heavy weather while crossing the Bay of Biscay. This led to the vessel moving violently while the crew restarted the vessel’s propulsion. The propulsion issues, storm force conditions and vessel motions continued until the following morning, when Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage.”
Passengers were told to stay in their cabins for the rest of the voyage and part of the dining room was converted into ‘a makeshift medical area’, guests reported at the time.
Saga Cruises said in a statement after the incident: “Spirit of Discovery was sadly caught in the challenging weather conditions this weekend, as she started her return to the UK.
“The ship remained safe at all times but, due to the impact of the storm, some guests sustained injuries.
“All were treated immediately by onboard medical staff. While the weather is clearly beyond our control, we want to offer our sincere apologies to all those affected who are now safely back, having sailed home in calmer seas.”
The investigation is nearly complete and a full report will be issued for consultation.
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The passenger was among more than 100 who were injured when the ship was hit by the storm in the Bay of Biscay on 4 November 2023.
Eight were taken to hospital, including to one who later died of their injuries, according to the report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
There were 943 passengers and 503 crew members on board when the ship ‘lost propulsion in heavy weather’, causing it to move ‘violently while the crew restarted the vessel’s propulsion’, the report said.
The issues, combined with storm-force conditions, lasted from about 12:30 GMT on 4 November until the following morning. The ship also suffered internal and external damage.
The Times reports the Spirit of Discovery had already cancelled a visit to Las Palmas as the weather worsened, and was heading towards A Coruña in Spain when that port was closed because of the storm.
The report said: “At about 12.30 on November 4, 2023, the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery lost propulsion in heavy weather while crossing the Bay of Biscay. This led to the vessel moving violently while the crew restarted the vessel’s propulsion. The propulsion issues, storm force conditions and vessel motions continued until the following morning, when Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage.”
Passengers were told to stay in their cabins for the rest of the voyage and part of the dining room was converted into ‘a makeshift medical area’, guests reported at the time.
Saga Cruises said in a statement after the incident: “Spirit of Discovery was sadly caught in the challenging weather conditions this weekend, as she started her return to the UK.
“The ship remained safe at all times but, due to the impact of the storm, some guests sustained injuries.
“All were treated immediately by onboard medical staff. While the weather is clearly beyond our control, we want to offer our sincere apologies to all those affected who are now safely back, having sailed home in calmer seas.”
The investigation is nearly complete and a full report will be issued for consultation.
The post Passenger died after cruise ship hit storm, report reveals appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
