October 29th 2024.
The cruise ship was severely damaged after being battered by a powerful storm, causing chaos and tragedy on board. According to a new report, one passenger lost their life and over 100 others were injured in the harrowing incident.
The ship, known as the Saga, was marketed exclusively to people aged 50 and above. However, age proved to be no protection against the relentless force of the 30-foot waves that thrashed against the ship all night long. The crew had to navigate through the treacherous weather until it finally subsided and they could return to port in the UK.
Video footage captured from the ship reveals the immense scale of the storm and the challenges faced by the crew. The waves were so powerful that they hollowed out the sea from beneath and then rolled back up again, causing the ship to veer from side to side.
The cruise had initially set sail from the UK for a two-week holiday, but the trip had to be cut short due to the extreme weather conditions. An interim government report described the incident as a "very serious marine casualty."
The report states that on November 4, 2023, the Spirit of Discovery was hit with force 11 winds in the Bay of Biscay, located west of France. As a result, eight guests had to be taken to the hospital upon arriving at Portsmouth, and sadly, one of them passed away from their injuries.
The ship was carrying a total of 943 passengers and 503 crew members when it encountered the dangerous storm. It had departed from Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands and was on its way to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. However, the worsening weather forced the ship to cancel its planned visit.
According to one passenger, the situation on board was terrifying. Some passengers even feared for their lives and began writing texts to their loved ones in case the ship capsized. The captain's voice over the speaker system conveyed the severity of the situation, and crew members and passengers alike were in a state of fear.
Another passenger recalled being in their cabin when the captain instructed everyone to remain seated or lie down. Jan Bendall, who was 75 at the time, shared that the ship was stationary for about 15 hours, during which she and her husband were clinging on for dear life. She described the experience as frightening and dramatic.
After leaving the Canary Islands, the ship was supposed to make its way to La Coruna in mainland Spain. However, the port was closed due to the severe weather conditions. The crew then decided to continue on and return to England. However, in the midst of the storm, the propulsion safety system was activated, causing the ship to suddenly veer to the left and come to a sudden halt.
In its report, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) stated that the Spirit of Discovery lost propulsion in heavy weather, leading to violent movements that resulted in over 100 injuries among the passengers. Eight of the most seriously injured guests were immediately taken to the hospital upon arriving in Portsmouth, and unfortunately, one of them passed away later on.
The MAIB investigation thoroughly examined all aspects of the accident, including the ship's intended route, preparations for harsh weather conditions, the on-board response to injuries and damage, and the medical treatment of injured passengers. The interim report is nearly complete, and a full report will be issued after consultation with all parties involved.
Following the incident, Saga Cruises released a statement expressing their regrets and offering sincere apologies to all those affected by the storm. They also confirmed that all guests on the trip had been given a full refund. A spokeswoman for Saga added that their thoughts and sympathies were with the family of the guest who tragically lost their life. The company continues to work closely with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch in supporting their investigation.
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