A cruise passenger tragically died and more than 100 others were injured when a cruise ship was hit by a colossal 30ft wave. The luxury liner was en route back to the UK through the Bay of Biscay on November 4, 2023, when it got caught in a brutal storm.
After docking at Portsmouth, eight passengers were rushed to hospital, with one later succumbing to their injuries, as revealed by a Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report. At the time, shaken passengers recounted gripping moments where they had to “hold on for dear life” during the tempest that made the vessel “veer and shutter to a halt”.
Initially set to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Saga Cruises-operated ship had to ditch its plans due to the storm and aimed for La Corona, Spain, only to find the port closed amid the worsening weather. The interim MAIB report disclosed that the ship, which departed from Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, faced force 11 gales and very high seas, with 943 passengers and 503 crew aboard when it lost propulsion amidst the chaos at around 12.30 on November 4, 2023.
“The propulsion issues, storm force conditions and vessel motions continued until the following morning when Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage,” the MAIB report said.
(Image: Richard Reynolds)
“During this period, over 100 passengers were injured. Eight of the seriously injured passengers were taken directly to hospital on arrival at Portsmouth, England, one of whom later died from their injuries,” reports the Mirror.
The report continues: “The MAIB’s investigation has considered all aspects of the accident to determine the causes and circumstances of Spirit of Discovery’s loss of propulsion in heavy weather and the on-board response, including analysis of the vessel’s intended passage, preparations for operating in heavy weather, the on-board response to passenger injuries and damage, and the medical treatment of injured passengers.” The interim report states that the investigation is nearly complete and a full report will then be issued for consultation with the parties involved. Passengers onboard the vessel described the terrifying moment they were told to either “remain seated or lie down” as they were forced to “hold on for dear life”.
(Image: Richard Reynolds)
People were “thrown” by the force of the emergency stop and pictures show books, tables and other furniture flung to the ground as the intense storm gripped the ship.
A spokeswoman for Saga expressed their condolences as she confirmed that all guests had been offered a full refund. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the family of our guest who died following the storm in the Bay of Biscay last year. We are continuing to work with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, supporting their investigation.”