Cruise Ship SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY
A cruise aboard the British-flagged cruise ship “SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY” was abruptly shortened due to a severe storm that left more than 100 out of the 980 passengers injured.
Operated by Saga, the “SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY” is an impressive vessel, boasting 58,250 gross tons and stretching 774 feet in length, with its construction completed in 2019.
The ill-fated cruise was en route from Portsmouth, England to the Canary Islands, spanning an itinerary of 14 days. The cruise was only for adults aged 50 and above, with an average passenger age of 75.
As the journey neared its conclusion, the ship encountered increasingly adverse weather conditions. These deteriorating conditions led to the ship’s decision to forgo its scheduled stops at both the port of Las Palmas and, subsequently, the port at La Corona, Spain on November 5th, owing to the ports being closed due to worsening weather.
Following this the ship attempted a return to the UK and encountered a fierce storm in the Bay of Biscay, marked by waves reaching 30 to 45 feet and winds gusting at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Passengers were instructed by the captain to remain seated or lie down as the ship battled through tumultuous sea.
The majority of the 980 passengers suffered injuries, although most of these were minor. Some individuals required stitches and had experienced minor fractures, while at least one passenger had sustained a broken hip.
The ship ultimately made its way back to Portsmouth on November 6th, where Saga took precautionary measures by transferring five passengers to a local hospital. The vessel itself bore the scars of the storm, with damages including broken furniture, dishes, and windows.
In an impressive display of resilience, the ship embarked on another cruise on November 7th, heading to Ponta Delgada in the Azores.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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