rough seas batter cruise ship

US Edition Change

• US election 2024
• US Politics
• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Rugby Union
• Sports Videos
• TV & Radio
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Love & Sex
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Lifestyle Videos
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Inspiration
• City Guides
• Sustainable Travel
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Home & Garden
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Electric vehicles
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Storm injures 100 cruise ship passengers in Bay of Biscay

Holiday cut short and vessel forced to return to the uk after ‘challenging weather conditions’, said saga cruises, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Related video: Carnival cruise ship battered by severe weather, rough seas

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Passengers on board a cruise ship have described “holding on for dear life” as they were caught in a storm off the western coast of France.

Around 100 people suffered injuries when the Saga Cruises ship Spirit of Discovery was hit by bad weather conditions in the Bay of Biscay last weekend.

The majority of the injuries were minor, the cruise line confirmed but said that with five individuals needed treatment for more serious injuries in our medical facilities onboard.

As a result, the vessel cut short its 14-day cruise and returned to the UK last night (6 November).

Since disembarking in Portmouth this morning (7 November), passengers have spoken of their experience, some claiming they were told to remain in their cabins as the ship rocked in the strong waves.

Passenger Jan Bendall, 75, told the BBC that she and her husband were “holding on for dear life” during the storm and added: “It was quite frightening, I’m not somebody who frightens easily, it was quite dramatic.”

She described how the staff were “absolutely fantastic” and set up “a makeshift medical area” in the dining room to treat the injured while passengers were told to stay in their cabins for the rest of Saturday and Sunday.

There were around 1,000 passengers sailing at the time of the incident. The ship, which has been sailing since 2019, veered to one side as the propulsion safety system was activated when after the vessel found it itself in poor weather.

Were you, or anyone you know, on board Spirit of Discovery? Email [email protected]

After departing the UK for the Canary Islands on 24 October, the first 10 days of the 14-day holiday went as planned, but the final stop in Las Palmas was dropped when a storm was forecast.

A course was plotted to the port in A Coruna, in northwest Spain, but adverse weather forced it to close – with crew deciding to head back to the UK early. It was here, while in an area known for rough seas, that the injuries occurred.

A spokesperson for Saga Cruises said: “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.”

Last month, an explosion on a cruise ship docked in the US, owned by American Queen Voyages, left one crew member burned and led to the evacuation of more than 200 people onboard .

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

New video shows cruise ship rocked by rough seas

The onboard footage shows the moments the carnival sunshine sailed into rough waters during a storm on the last night of its voyage on saturday., may 30, 2023, what’s next for russia, what comes next after texas school shooting, what's next for abortion rights in america, the new battle for voting rights, how we can build a clean and renewable future, the fight for kyiv, examining extremism in the military, gun violence: an american epidemic, border crisis: what’s happening at the us-mexico border, remembering george floyd: a year of protest, the source of covid-19: what we know, how did the gamestop stock spike on wall street happen, why are people hesitant to trust a covid-19 vaccine, how climate change and forest management make wildfires harder to contain, disparity in police response: black lives matter protests and capitol riot, 2020 in review: a year unlike any other, examined: how putin keeps power, why don’t the electoral college and popular vote always match up, us crosses 250,000 coronavirus deaths, 2nd impeachment trial: what this could mean for trump, presidential transition of power: examined, how donald trump spent his last days as president, how joe biden's inauguration will be different from previous years, belarus’ ongoing protests: examined, trump challenges the vote and takes legal action, 2020’s dnc and rnc are different than any before, what is happening with the usps, voting in 2020 during covid-19, disinformation in 2020, abc news specials on, impact x nightline, power trip: those who seek power and those who chase them, the murders before the marathon, the ivana trump story: the first wife, mormon no more, leave no trace: a hidden history of the boy scouts, keeper of the ashes: the oklahoma girl scout murders, the orphans of covid: america's hidden toll, superstar: patrick swayze, the kardashians -- an abc news special, 24 months that changed the world, have you seen this man, two men at war, putin's war: the battle to save ukraine, screen queens rising, x / o n e r a t e d - the murder of malcolm x and 55 years to justice, homegrown: standoff to rebellion, alec baldwin: unscripted.

Cruise Ship Passengers Left Terrified After Ship Sails Through Rough Seas on Return to Charleston

Rough seas rocked the carnival sunshine and its passengers over memorial day weekend, by the associated press • published may 30, 2023 • updated on may 30, 2023 at 7:05 am.

A cruise ship that navigated rough seas off the South Carolina coast over the Memorial Day weekend has resumed sailing on its next cruise, Carnival Cruise Lines said Monday.

Terrified passengers on the Carnival Sunshine took to social media to post video of water pouring through a flooded hallway on a cabin level and pictures of on-board stores in shambles, with merchandise strewn about on the floor as large waves swelled on the sea.

Passenger Daniel Taylor said the crew “left us blind, not reassuring us what was going on, where we were heading to, what the plan was," WCIV-TV reported.

"They could have updated us and let us know something,” he said.

Get South Florida local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters.

The Carnival Sunshine's return to Charleston, S.C., from the Bahamas on Saturday was delayed by prolonged bad weather and rough seas in the area, the Miami-based company said in a statement to The Associated Press on Monday. The vessel's next cruise scheduled to leave Charleston this weekend was delayed, but is now sailing, the statement said.

No serious injuries were reported.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of all our guests,” Carnival said.

This article tagged under:

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories , we're happy to send you some reminders

Click ' OK ' then ' Allow ' to enable notifications

Video shows horrifying moment cruise ship encounters rough seas leaving 100 people injured

Featured Image Credit: Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images / Richard Reynolds

A viral video has shown the horrifying moment a cruise ship encountered rough seas which left 100 people onboard injured.

Of course, travelling by seas is a lot safer than it was say 100 years ago, but that doesn't mean rough seas won't cause some problems.

Passengers on board the Spirit of Discovery know all about that as the cruise ship was recently hit by a storm off the UK coastline.

Watch what they had to experience below:

After being bombarded by strong winds and powerful rain in the Bay of Biscay, one passenger said some onboard 'feared for their lives'.

Cruise company Saga has seen described most of the injuries as 'minor' in a statement to the BBC .

"People were writing texts to their loved ones in case we capsized," one unidentified passenger told the outlet.

"The tone of voice in our captain... he was physically scared. We had crew crying. We had many passengers in awful states of fear.

"To say 'minor injuries' is an insult to the many horrific broken bones, pelvises, lacerations, stitches etc. that were caused [to] a very old passenger clientele."

Despite the cruise company saying the majority of injuries to those onboard was minor, five people were taken to hospital when the ship docked in the English city of Portsmouth on Monday.

The ship originally embarked on its 14-day voyage to the Canary Islands on 24 October with 1,000 people onboard.

But due to the worsening weather thanks to Storm Ciarán, a decision was made to return to the UK.

The BBC report states the vessel’s automatic safety systems were activated once the boat experienced a bit of difficulty, which subsequently moved the ship from side to side as we see in the video.

Saga went on to say most of the 100 injuries onboard occurred during this sudden movement.

Until weather conditions improved, the Spirit of Discovery was held in position until it could eventually return back to the UK.

While 100 may have been injured, a Saga Cruises spokesperson told UNILAD that the ship 'remained safe at all times' despite all the disruption.

"Spirit of Discovery was sadly caught in the challenging weather conditions last weekend, as she started her return to the UK," the spokesperson said.

"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."

Topics:  News , UK News , Viral , Weather , Travel

• Terrifying video shows moment SUV smashes into Denny's on Labor Day leaving many injured
• POV footage of water slide in the Netherlands is leaving people feeling 'claustrophobic'
• Video shows moment Kevin Hart injured himself and left him forced to use a wheelchair
• Guest on world's largest cruise ship goes overboard after trip diverted due to hurricane

@media (max-width:767px){.css-4n1las{display:none;}} Chosen for You @media (min-width:768px){.css-1s8mc50{display:none;}} Chosen for You

.css-12qjni8{display:-webkit-box;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;overflow:hidden;} Travis Kelce speaks out after Taylor Swift changed song lyrics during concert

Harry Potter stunt double paralyzed on set hasn’t watched Daniel Radcliffe documentary dedicated to him

Elon Musk claims Cybertrucks could be 'used briefly as a boat''

Most read stories most read.

Billie Eilish says men don’t face criticism about their bodies because ‘girls are nice’

Megan Rapinoe says her brutal injury in her last ever game is ‘proof’ that God doesn't exist

The Marvels opens with the lowest box office opening weekend in MCU history

People left in disbelief after seeing Cybertruck's build quality

Spirit of Discovery: Saga Cruise ship passengers 'feared for their lives' as boat battered by massive waves in Bay of Biscay

Passengers have told how they "feared for their lives" after a cruise ship was caught in a storm in the west coast of France.

The Saga Cruises ship, Spirit of Discovery, returned to the UK after 100 passengers sustained injuries when it was hit by gale winds and 30ft waves as it was crossing the Bay of Biscay, an area known for its rough seas.

Passenger Richard Reynolds, 60, was on the ship with his elderly parents and recalled how people "were screaming for their lives" and some wrote final notes to loved ones as they "thought they were going to die".

"The whole experience was horrendous," he told MailOnline .

"Waves were coming up to the fifth-storey windows, people were screaming and furniture and plates and glass were flying in every direction.

"I am ex-military and fire service and I have dealt with a lot of traumatic experiences in my career but this up there with the worst of them.

'People were screaming for their lives, things were banging and crashing around us and they thought they were going to die.

'We were confined to our cabins for two days, we were laying in bed fully clothed with life jackets on.

"I know other passengers wrote notes on their phones to loved ones because they didn't think they were going to make it out of there."

A passenger told the BBC on Tuesday that people "were writing texts to their loved ones in case we capsized".

William has to change his shirt as works up a sweat in the Singapore jungle

What the papers say – November 8

Murder victim’s mother behind Helen’s Law to be honoured at Buckingham Palace

Lawrence Dallaglio’s Rugby Podcast

"The tone of voice in our captain...he was physically scared," he said. "We had crew crying. We had many passengers in awful states of fear."

"To say 'minor injuries' is an insult to the many horrific broken bones, pelvises, lacerations, stitches etc. that were caused [to] a very old passenger clientele."

The ship departed on October 24 for a 14-day planned cruise to the Canary Islands with 1,000 on board. During a rough storm, the ship's automatic safety system was activated and it lurched to one side, injuring 100 of the passengers on board. 

The "vast majority" of passengers sustained minor injuries, but five people needed immediate medical treatment according to the Saga Cruises.

Jan Bendall, 75, who was on the cruise ship with her husband, said the ship remained stationarity for 15 hours as the storm continued. She told the BBC: "We were lucky - we're quite able-bodied, but I think some of the older people and people in their own in cabins were quite worried."

Describing the situation, another passenger said "tables were flying," as the waves were "throwing people around all up and down the place". Families of the passengers showed concern on social media as one wrote on X about their in-laws' "horrendous journey."

Las Palmas was scheduled as the last stop, but the crew cancelled the last leg of the trip after the weather conditions worsened and instead attempted to head for A Coruña in northwest Spain. 

The Spirit Discovery returned to the UK after A Coruña’s port was closed. It docked in Portsmouth on Monday, with passengers leaving on Tuesday morning. 

A spokeswoman said: "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."

Recommended

Huge search for 28-year-old man missing off carnival cruise ship in the gulf of mexico.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

A huge search was underway Tuesday for a 28-year-old man reported missing from a Carnival cruise ship during “dangerous weather conditions” battering the Gulf of Mexico.

Tyler Barnett of Houma, Louisiana, was reported missing by a family member from the Carnival Glory on Monday afternoon, a day after it left New Orleans.

The cruise ship’s crew reviewed the boat’s security camera footage and last saw him just after midnight Monday.

After launching two aircraft, the Coast Guard had to temporarily pause the search overnight due to gale-force winds and rough seas.

“We are currently searching a large area of more than 200 miles of the ship’s voyage path due to the uncertainty of the potential time of him falling overboard,” the Coast Guard said as it resumed the search Tuesday.

“Coast Guard issued broadcasts and messages to mariners in the Gulf of Mexico notifying them of the missing passenger,” the agency added.

“Dangerous weather conditions in the search area have negatively impacted our search efforts,” it said, saying that additional search assets will be launched “as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Later Tuesday, an Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144 Ocean Sentry resumed search efforts.

According to the cruise line’s website , the 952-foot-long Carnival Glory ship can hold up to 2,980 passengers and 1,150 crew members.

The cruise ship’s care team is currently supporting the missing man’s family, a spokesperson told The Post.

The Coast Guard is in charge of the search and rescue operations and cleared Carnival Glory to proceed to Montego Bay, Jamaica, as scheduled.

Before docking on Wednesday, the ship is also scheduled to call on Grand Cayman and Cozumel, a Carnival spokesperson said.

Share this article:

Rough seas cause nearly 100 injuries on U.K. cruise ship

Posted: November 7, 2023 | Last updated: November 7, 2023

A cruise ship departing the United Kingdom was forced to turn around on Saturday after being hit by a storm, causing about 100 injuries during a safety operation. Credit: Emma Danbury

More for You

Sorry New York and San Francisco, these 4 red-state cities could be the future of America

Uncovered federal document reveals details about Tesla’s unreleased Cybertruck: ‘There will be enormous challenges’

Winter Storm Warning Snow Totals Depend On Where You Live

Leaked Recordings Spell Trouble for Trump in Georgia Racketeering Case

A new COVID variant, HV.1, is now dominant. These are its most common symptoms

Deion Sanders weighs in on Texas A&M job

I was a bartender for almost a decade. Here are the techniques I used to land bigger tips — and the people I tried to avoid serving.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Gets ‘Lesson in Civics’ During Fiery Confrontation

Hundreds ordered out of flats immediately because building's at risk of collapse

15 “Southern Sayings” That Northerners Need a Translator to Understand

IRS Increases Gift and Estate Tax Exempt Limits — Here’s How Much You Can Give Without Paying

Time for US to counter the bully at 30,000 feet

Congress just found the dumbest way to avoid a government shutdown

'Panicked' Russia Pulls Warships From Crimea: Report

Three potential landing spots for Patriots HC Bill Belichick

The Popular Decor Trend That HGTV's Unsellable Houses' Lyndsay Lamb Says Is Here To Stay

Airplanes are being grounded by a surprising new issue — and the problem’s affected more than 20,000 flights in a single week

Jesse Watters: The Secret Service has been lying to you about everything in White House cocaine scandal

The Georgia district attorney who charged Trump expects his trial to be underway over Election Day

Mass Protests Against Putin's Mobilization Planned in Russia

Storm-Battered Cruise Ship Returns to New Jersey After Enduring Rough Seas, 125-mph Winds

by: CNN Wire , Mark Mester

Posted: Feb 11, 2016 / 04:46 AM PST

Updated: Feb 11, 2016 / 04:53 AM PST

What was to be a seven-day cruise from New Jersey to the Bahamas and back came to an early end Wednesday with the massive Anthem of the Seas back in port.

Three days after enduring a wild ride in rough seas fired up by 125-mile-per-hour winds, the battered Royal Caribbean ship and its 6,000 people aboard docked in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Royal Caribbean, facing scrutiny after the ship sailed into a storm in the Atlantic, apologized to passengers in a statement sent shortly before the ship docked, saying “we have to do better.”

For roughly 12 hours, passengers of the Anthem of the Seas had hunkered down in their rooms Sunday as the captain of the cruise ship battled rough seas off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

“It was horrendous,” passenger Maureen Peters of Southampton, Massachusetts, told CNN after disembarking. “At one point, I thought I wasn’t going to see my family again. I held on to the mattress so I wouldn’t fall off the bed.”

She said it was her first and last cruise. “That boat should have never gone out,” she said.

The nightmare included four hours when the 1,100-foot long ship was at a 45-degree angle, according to Justin Scerbo, another passenger who was leaving the ship.

Royal Caribbean said the ship suffered “superficial damage” to some public areas and cabins but has been repaired and will go back out on its scheduled itinerary next week.

The cruise line said the storm the ship encountered was much worse than predicted.

“If we knew that we were going to have those kinds of winds, the winds that we actually experienced with the ship, we would not have sailed into that. No. Absolutely we wouldn’t have (left port),” Bill Baumgartner, the senior vice president of global marine operations, told CNN.

Four minor injuries were reported, the cruise line said.

Advance warning

A father on the boat said passengers were informed of the storm early in their journey.

“We were told there was some weather. I don’t know if he said a storm or not,” Asher Lipman told CNN during a phone interview from the ship Wednesday morning. “The captain was either going to outrun it, get ahead of it, so it wasn’t going to be a huge impact on us.”

Lipman was on the Anthem of the Seas with his 10-year-old daughter, Charlotte. His wife, a CNN employee, had been in close contact with him during the ordeal.

Their trip was supposed to be a celebration of Charlotte’s birthday, but it quickly turned into a terrifying experience Sunday.

Allison Musante and Scerbo were lying face down on the mattress of their bed as the ship listed in the Atlantic Ocean.

“It just wouldn’t end,” Muscante said of the frightful night.

The ship was leaning so much — Scerbo estimates 45 degrees — that water from a faucet hit the wall instead of going down the drain. Glasses were tumbling off the counter.

Trying to stand brought on severe motion sickness. Musante said that for eight to 10 hours it was really scary.

Back in port, the couple said they’ll take another cruise in the future — but not in the near future.

“After a vacation from hell, we’re good to just be at home,” Scerbo said.

The couple and Lipman now question the decision to continue on the original itinerary despite the storm.

The company decided Monday afternoon to return to port.

“It’s a little disappointing. I think a lot of people on the ship share this sentiment that this was a lapse in judgment on either Royal Caribbean’s part or the captain’s part,” he said.

Calls for government inquest

He’s not alone. Fewer than 24 hours after the incident, Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida called for an National Transportation Safety Board investigation.

“The thing about this storm was that it was forecast for days. So why in the world would a cruise ship with thousands of passengers go sailing right into it?” Nelson said from the Senate floor Monday. “I want the (NTSB) to come up with answers very quickly and make an admonition to mariners: When the storm is brewing, you don’t go out of port.”

As early as Thursday, the National Weather Service’s ocean prediction center in Washington forecast winds of 46 to 57 mph and 23- to 31-foot seas on Sunday night in the area where the ship encountered the storm, CNN meteorologist Jennifer Gray said.

Nelson’s office says it wants the NTSB to take a hard look into why ships such as the Anthem of the Seas are venturing into such extreme weather.

The NTSB, meanwhile, released a statement saying the incident involved a Bahamian-flagged ship in international waters, and “we are actively engaged with our U.S. and international partners to determine what would be the best course of action, in accordance with established international protocols.”

The agency acknowledged that it had received Nelson’s request that it review the “incident as part of its investigation into the El Faro accident,” in which a Florida-based cargo ship traveled into a hurricane and sunk near the Bahamas in October.

“The Anthem of the Seas incident may provide us an additional opportunity to learn best practices that cruise line operators employ for operating in heavy weather,” the NTSB said.

Cruise line will change storm avoidance policy

As a result of the incident, Royal Caribbean will be “strengthening its storm avoidance policy.”

The cruise line will also hire more support personnel in its Miami office, he said.

He promised a thorough review that will help identify ways of “expecting the unexpected” in future storm decisions.

He added that the captain, who has more than 15 years of experience, is “very concerned” about what happened.

Passengers will receive a refund for their trouble plus a voucher for 50% of what they spent to be used toward a future cruise fare, Royal Caribbean tweeted.

Suggest a Correction

Most popular, 10 freeway fire set with ‘malice intent,’ newsom …, another fire breaks out underneath l.a. freeway, more insurance companies announce plans to leave …, driver who escaped flames on i-10 charged towing …, jeremy renner recovery continues 10 months after …, 2nd flare-up reignites at historic hangar in o.c., ‘beauty and the beast’ attraction closing at disneyland, bestreviews.com - top picks to make everyone happy, best cyber monday microwave deals 2023, best black friday electric toothbrush deals 2023, the 20 best early apple black friday deals, best black friday dishwasher deals 2023, best mattress topper black friday deals 2023, early black friday dyson deals you should snag now.

•   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Passengers terrified as rough seas rock cruise ship trying to return to south carolina port.

Carnival Cruise Line addressed the weather disruption in a statement.

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Cruise ship Carnival Sunshine was rocked by a storm over the weekend, frightening passengers and delaying the ship’s return to port in Charleston, South Carolina, and the departure of its next voyage.

First-time cruise passenger William B. Blackburn was on deck 6 of Carnival Sunshine during rough weather that started late Friday.

“It was terrifying,” Blackburn told CNN.

TRENDING STORIES

• Law enforcement personnel respond to riot at Chatham County Regional Youth Detention Center
• Georgia-Florida's annual rivalry game names host city. You won't have to drive far to get there
• Deck collapse in Midway sends 9 people to the hospital

Blackburn was on the cruise with his wife and other family members.

“We stayed in our cabin, and prayed we’d be OK,” Blackburn said, and they took note of where the life jackets were stored.

“[We] discussed the fact that it would be very unlikely to survive in the water even with life jackets and doubted that life boats could even be launched in those conditions,” he said.

Carnival Cruise Line addressed the weather disruption in a statement:

“Carnival Sunshine’s return to Charleston was impacted by the weather and rough seas on Saturday,” Carnival said, ”The weather’s prolonged impact on the Charleston area delayed the ship’s arrival on Sunday and as a result, the next voyage’s embarkation was also delayed.”

The cruise line said the ship is now sailing on its next voyage.

Blackburn shot video of the storm around 11 p.m. Friday and said conditions got worse after that. He considered shooting more video but was afraid to open the door again.

“It felt like the ship ran into a wall, all of our stuff went flying off the counters, baggage fell over and slid around,” he said.

“The wind was howling, all I could see outside was a solid wall of water spray and rain mixed. The balcony divider door for the cabin next to us had broken its latches and was slamming back and forth something awful. The ceiling and walls were creaking, and the ship was making horrible noises, and sometimes violently vibrating like the engines were struggling against the surging waves.”

Video posted online from Twitter handle @crewcenter shows water and objects flowing down interior hallways.

Carnival Sunshine has capacity for 3,002 guests and 1,040 onboard crew. The ship has 14 levels.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise news

Horrifying Footage Shows Cruise Ship Battered by 30ft Waves

New footage inside Royal Caribbean ship which ran into high winds and rough seas in the Atlantic last year has emerged.

The video shows a cruise passenger looking out the window as 30ft waves submerged the vessel during the hurricane force storm.

The ship, Anthem of the Seas , carrying more than 4,500 guests and 1,600 crew members, was heading to Port Canaveral in Florida but was forced to turn back and return to New Jersey due to the rough weather. 

It forced frightened passengers into their cabins overnight as their belongings flew about, waves rose as high as 30 feet, and winds howled outside.

In the video that surfaced on Reddit, a passenger is seen leaning against the window saying, 'We're just staying in one place, hoping not to die.'

Four passengers were injured in the storm and the ship was damaged in some of its public areas. 

Hurricane-like conditions caused items inside the ship to fly off shelves and smash into one another as the vessel leaned at least 45 degrees off center in the swells. 

The cruise line provided a full refund to passengers, as well as a discount for a future cruise.  

The trip was originally supposed to be a week-long round-trip from New Jersey to Florida and the Bahamas, but the hurricane-force storm cut the vacation short. 

The National Weather Service's Ocean Prediction Center had issued an alert for a strong storm four days in advance and questions were raised as to why the cruise ship travelled through the treacherous conditions. 

Royal Caribbean said the ship experienced 'extreme wind and sea conditions' that were not expected. 

However it apologized to passengers following the February 7 2016 incident, saying 'we have to do better.' 

But in September that year, Anthem of the Seas was caught up in another extreme storm.

Terrifying footage showed the 1,100ft-long Anthem of the Seas undulating through huge swells and 90mph winds en route to Bermuda as it encountered the tropical storm Hermine.

• Cruise Passenger Dies After Tour Boat Sinks in Nassau
• Doug Parker
• November 14, 2023
• Cruise News

Cruise ship passengers on a Blue Lagoon Island excursion were left in shock on Tuesday morning when their tour boat sank as a result of a large wave, leaving a 75-year-old woman dead.

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force reported that a double-deck pleasure craft experienced difficulties while en route to Blue Lagoon Island. The cause of the woman’s death is not known.

Nassau, Bahamas excursion accident

“Approximately half an hour into the journey, the vessel faced rough seas in the vicinity, leading to it taking on water and ultimately becoming submerged just outside Blue Lagoon,” she explained.

A guest sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas emailed the Cruise Radio news account that two large waves hit the ship and began taking on water.

Blue Lagoon Island issues statement

Tour boat was equipped with life jackets.

It has been confirmed by the authorities that the vessel, operated by Blue Lagoon Island , was equipped with life vests. Fortunately, the double-decker boat did not completely submerge due to the shallow water. The water around Blue Lagoon Island is approximately 20 feet deep.

Blue Lagoon Island is a popular shore excursion sold by cruise lines that offer dolphin swims, VIP beach days, and sting ray encounters starting at $79 per person.

The Blue Lagoon Island excursion originates at the Nassau Cruise Port , where guests board a 100-passenger water shuttle to the island, located approximately five miles off the coast of Paradise Island.

Shore excursion companies operate independently from the cruise line. Cruise lines sell the tours in exchange for a commission on a per-tour sold basis.

Royal Caribbean has not commented on the incident at the time of publication. Circumstances surrounding the passing of the woman were not released.

The entire incident was caught and narrated on TikTok by user by Kelly Schissel.

@kellyswitz our ferry went down on our way to Blue Lagoon #shipwreck #boat #boatsinking #bluelagoon #bahamas #ferry ♬ original sound – Kelly Schissel

Recent Posts

• Carnival’s Security Footage Shows Man Jumped Overboard
• Titanic Dinner Menu Sells for Over $100,000 at Auction
• Cruise News Update: November 14, 2023 [VIDEO]

Sign-up for our Newsletter

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced coverage and accurate reporting. Learn more  about our team . 

How rough of seas can a cruise ship handle?

Cruise ships are designed to handle a wide range of sea conditions, including rough seas. These massive vessels are built with the latest technology and engineering techniques to ensure a smooth and comfortable sailing experience for passengers. While cruise ships are generally equipped to navigate through choppy waters, they do have their limits.

Cruise ships are constructed with stabilizers, which are large fins that extend from the hull of the ship. These stabilizers help to reduce the amount of rolling and swaying caused by rough seas. Additionally, modern cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art weather forecasting systems, allowing them to avoid the worst weather conditions. However, there are instances when cruise ships may encounter unexpected rough seas.

Most cruise ships can handle waves up to around 30 feet. This means that they are designed to withstand waves of moderate to severe intensity. However, wave heights vary depending on the location and weather conditions. In extremely rough seas, where wave heights exceed the ship’s design limitations, cruise lines may alter their route or even cancel or delay the voyage for safety reasons.

FAQs about how rough of seas can a cruise ship handle:

1. Can a cruise ship capsize in rough seas? Cruise ships are designed with stability in mind and have a low center of gravity, making them highly unlikely to capsize in rough seas. However, extreme weather conditions can pose a risk, and cruise lines prioritize passenger safety above all else.

2. What happens if a cruise ship encounters rough seas? When a cruise ship encounters rough seas, the captain and crew will take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. This may include altering the ship’s course, reducing speed, or even temporarily closing certain areas of the ship.

3. Are cruise ships equipped with advanced weather tracking systems? Yes, modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced weather tracking systems that allow them to monitor and track weather conditions in real-time. This enables the ship’s crew to anticipate and navigate around inclement weather.

4. Do cruise ships have stabilizers? Yes, cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers, which help reduce the rolling and swaying caused by rough seas. These large fins extend from the sides of the ship, providing stability and enhancing passenger comfort.

5. Can passengers feel the motion of the ship in rough seas? In rough seas, passengers may feel some motion on the ship. However, the design and engineering of modern cruise ships, along with stabilizers, aim to minimize the impact of rough seas and provide a comfortable experience for passengers.

6. Can rough seas cause discomfort or seasickness? Rough seas can potentially cause discomfort and seasickness in some passengers. However, cruise ships are equipped with various measures to help alleviate these symptoms, such as medication, onboard medical facilities, and even natural remedies like ginger-based products.

7. Are there specific areas of the ship that are more prone to movement in rough seas? While modern cruise ships are designed to minimize motion throughout, certain areas may feel more movement than others during rough seas. These areas can include higher decks, the bow (front) and stern (back) of the ship, and cabins located towards the outer edges.

8. Are there restrictions on certain activities during rough seas? During rough seas, certain outdoor activities such as swimming pools, waterslides, or outdoor sports facilities may be temporarily closed for safety reasons. However, there are still plenty of indoor activities and amenities available for passengers to enjoy.

9. Is it common for cruise ships to encounter rough seas? The frequency of encounters with rough seas can vary depending on the cruise itinerary and weather conditions. Cruise lines carefully monitor and plan their routes to minimize the chances of encountering excessively rough seas.

10. Are there any measures in place to prevent accidents or injuries during rough seas? Cruise lines have stringent safety protocols and procedures in place to prevent accidents or injuries during rough seas. These include securing loose items, reinforcing handrails, and providing safety briefings to passengers.

11. How do cruise ships communicate with passengers during rough seas? Cruise ships have a range of communication methods to keep passengers informed during rough seas. This can include public address systems, in-cabin announcements, and updates via onboard television channels or mobile apps.

12. Can rough seas affect the ship’s itinerary or schedule? In certain cases, rough seas may prompt cruise ships to modify their itinerary or adjust their schedule. This is done to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and may involve changes to port calls or modifications to the duration of certain activities.

About The Author

Timothy berg, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Morning Rundown: Biden to meet Xi Jinping, House speaker calls separation of church and state a misnomer, and hippos descended from Pablo Escobar's pets sterilized 

Coast Guard searches for man missing from Louisiana cruise ship

Surveillance video on a Carnival cruise ship from which a 28-year-old man went missing shows him jumping from a deck early Monday, a spokesman for the cruise line said Tuesday.

The Coast Guard is searching for Tyler Barnett, who went missing Monday morning from the Carnival Glory, which is bound for Montego Bay, Jamaica. Barnett, of Houma, Louisiana, the father of twin girls, was reported missing that afternoon, and the Coast Guard sent two aircraft to search, following the ship’s track toward Jamaica, it said.

Matt Lupoli, Carnival’s senior manager of public relations, said video appears to show the missing passenger jumping overboard.

“After multiple reviews of the shipboard surveillance video, it appears that the guest reported missing on Monday jumped from the ship’s Deck 4 at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Monday,” he said.

“He can be seen climbing on a lifeboat and jumping from there,” Lupoli said.

The Coast Guard has been informed of the video and has been able to narrow its search effort, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Hernandez said. The search had been over a 200-mile area.

The more specific location also means the Coast Guard has been able to launch an HC-130 plane and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, he said. The search is 30 miles southwest of Southwest Pass, Louisiana, the Coast Guard said.

The Carnival Glory left Louisiana for Montego Bay and is due to arrive Wednesday, the cruise line said.

Tyler Barnett's sister, Destiny Barnett, and 13 other relatives were also on the cruise.

"It makes you feel crazy to be stuck on a ship where everyone else is having a good time," Destiny Barnett said. "It was supposed to be a vacation, but for us, it's hell."

The cruise is also scheduled to stop at Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel, Mexico, before it returns to New Orleans on Sunday, according to its itinerary .

Destiny Barnett said her brother's card was last used at his cabin door. His cellphone was in his room, and his bed had not been slept in.

Barnett's grandmother Dirlean Tate Mason, who is not on the cruise, is anxiously waiting for news. She said that Tyler Barnett works on the river barges in Louisiana and that she does not think he would try to take his own life. “He loves his girls,” she said.

"I just want answers, and I'm holding out for hope," she said.

The Coast Guard issued broadcasts notifying mariners in the Gulf of Mexico that a person may have fallen overboard, a spokesman said.

In a post on X, the Coast Guard said search efforts were paused Monday night because of dangerous weather conditions, including rough seas and strong winds. It said it would launch more search assets as soon as conditions allowed.

According to d ata from the cruise industry consultancy firm GP Wild, there were 212 man overboard incidents on cruise ships from 2009 to 2019. Forty-eight of those passengers were rescued.

In April, Coast Guard crews suspended a search for an Australian passenger who fell off a cruise off Hawaii after a three-day search yielded no results.

Natalie Kainz is a news associate for NBC News.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

• Israel-Hamas War
• Emergency Alerts
• "World's Most Dangerous Bird"
• JAY-Z Special
• CBS News Live
• Managing Your Money
• Newsletters

Watch CBS News

Coast Guard searching Gulf after man reported missing from Carnival cruise ship

By Kerry Breen

Updated on: November 14, 2023 / 6:53 PM EST / CBS News

A search is underway in the Gulf of Mexico after a 28-year-old man was reported missing from a Carnival cruise ship. 

The man was identified by family as Tyler Barnett of Houma, Louisiana, according to the Coast Guard . Barnett was reported missing from the Carnival Glory on Monday morning by a family member, according to a Carnival spokesperson. The ship was searched by security and camera footage was reviewed. 

He was last seen on camera at around midnight Monday, the Coast Guard said. A Carnival spokesperson told CBS News in a statement Tuesday evening that multiple reviews of the ship's surveillance video determined the guest "jumped" from the fourth deck of the ship at about 1:40 a.m. Monday.

Video showed him climbing onto a lifeboat and jumping from there, Carnival said.

The examination of the security video was complicated by the fact that the security team was not informed until Tuesday that the missing man may have been wearing a different shirt than initially thought, Carnival disclosed, which allowed ship security to "change the profile of the guest" as it "searched onboard video."

A public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard said that watch standers from the service received a reported of an unaccounted for passenger early Monday afternoon. The Coast Guard launched two aircraft to search for Barnett. Those searches went on until Monday evening but were temporarily paused overnight because of dangerous weather conditions, including gale-force winds and rough seas. 

"We are currently searching a large area that encompasses more than 200 miles of the ship's voyage path due to the uncertainty of when he may have gone overboard," the Coast Guard said. "The Coast Guard issued urgent marine information broadcasts and messages to mariners in the Gulf of Mexico notifying them of the missing passenger." 

The search resumed on Tuesday morning, the Coast Guard said. The agency said it would continue searching as weather conditions allow.

The Carnival Glory departed New Orleans on Sunday. The ship is proceeding to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and is expected to arrive there Wednesday. The ship is also expected to make stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel. 

The Carnival spokesperson said that Barnett's family, who remain on board, are being supported by the company's care team. 

According to Carnival's website , the Carnival Glory can hold 2,980 passengers and 1,150 crew members. The ship has 14 decks and is 952 feet long. 

• Gulf Coast of the United States
• Gulf of Mexico
• United States Coast Guard
• Cruise Ship
• Missing Man

Kerry Breen is a news editor and reporter for CBS News. Her reporting focuses on current events, breaking news and substance use.

More from CBS News

Body of missing Sprindgale man recovered from Allegheny River

Baldwin Borough Police, area fire crews searching for missing 22-year-old Dhiran Das

Duluth police searching for 81-year-old missing man

Man charged in fatal shooting of Baltimore rapper 'President Davo'

• Today's news
• Skullduggery podcast
• Conspiracyland
• My Portfolio
• Personal finance
• Daily Fantasy
• Horse Racing
• GameChannel
• Team apparel and gear
• Shop BreakingT Shirts

Entertainment

• Style and beauty
• Privacy Dashboard

Coast Guard searching Gulf after man reported missing from cruise ship

A search is underway in the Gulf of Mexico after a 28-year-old man was reported missing from a Carnival cruise ship.

The man was identified by family as Tyler Barnett of Houma, Louisiana, according to the Coast Guard . Barnett was reported missing from the Carnival Glory on Monday morning by a family member, according to a Carnival spokesperson. The ship was searched by security and camera footage was reviewed.

He was last seen on camera at around midnight Monday, the Coast Guard said. A Carnival spokesperson told CBS News in a statement Tuesday evening that multiple reviews of the ship's surveillance video determined the guest "jumped" from the fourth deck of the ship at about 1:40 a.m. Monday.

Video showed him climbing onto a lifeboat and jumping from there, Carnival said.

The examination of the security video was complicated by the fact that the security team was not informed until Tuesday that the missing man may have been wearing a different shirt than initially thought, Carnival disclosed, which allowed ship security to "change the profile of the guest" as it "searched onboard video."

A public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard said that watch standers from the service received a reported of an unaccounted for passenger early Monday afternoon. The Coast Guard launched two aircraft to search for Barnett. Those searches went on until Monday evening but were temporarily paused overnight because of dangerous weather conditions, including gale-force winds and rough seas.

"We are currently searching a large area that encompasses more than 200 miles of the ship's voyage path due to the uncertainty of when he may have gone overboard," the Coast Guard said. "The Coast Guard issued urgent marine information broadcasts and messages to mariners in the Gulf of Mexico notifying them of the missing passenger."

The search resumed on Tuesday morning, the Coast Guard said. The agency said it would continue searching as weather conditions allow.

The Carnival Glory departed New Orleans on Sunday. The ship is proceeding to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and is expected to arrive there Wednesday. The ship is also expected to make stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

The Carnival spokesperson said that Barnett's family, who remain on board, are being supported by the company's care team.

According to Carnival's website , the Carnival Glory can hold 2,980 passengers and 1,150 crew members. The ship has 14 decks and is 952 feet long.

Massive fire shuts down L.A. freeway indefinitely, Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency

Speaker Johnson's plan to prevent government shutdown faces hurdles

Israeli forces move in on Al-Shifa hospital hours after thousands march in Washington, D.C.

Recommended Stories

The best black friday deals on 25 of our favorite gadgets from amazon, walmart, target and more.

Here are the best early Black Friday 2023 deals available right now from Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Walmart and other retailers.

Yahoo Sports AM: Green chokes Gobert

Draymond Green received his 18th career ejection on Tuesday. Only one player in NBA history has more.

The Morning After: iMessage comes to Nothing’s Android phones (for now)

The biggest news stories this morning: Nothing hacks iMessage, How to make working from home easier, and how AI might make weather reporting more accurate.

GM inserts exec at Cruise as safety review expands, manual self driving paused

General Motors is taking a more active role in shaping the safety culture at Cruise, following a string of incidents that prompted California regulators to suspend permits that allowed the self-driving car subsidiary to operate commercially in the state. The legacy automaker is inserting one of its own executives, who is also a Cruise board member, to head up the self-driving car company's legal and policy, communications and finance teams. Craig Glidden, GM's EVP of legal and policy and a Cruise board member, will come on as chief administrative officer at Cruise.

Disney's Hotstar tops 50 million concurrent viewers in India-New Zealand cricket clash

A crucial knock-out cricket game between India and New Zealand shattered all previous on-demand video streaming records Wednesday, attracting over 51 million concurrent viewers to Disney's Hotstar. The milestone exceeded the prior record of 44 million simultaneous viewers set by the Disney-owned streamer earlier this month. As far as the concurrent viewers metric is concerned, Hotstar now maintains a clear lead over rival, Mukesh Ambani-backed Viacom18's JioCinema, which peaked at 32 million earlier this year.

Netflix's stop-motion Pokémon show arrives on December 28

Pokémon Concierge, a stop-motion animation show from Japan's Dwarf Studio, will be available for streaming on Netflix starting on December 28.

Cruise is also pausing its manned robotaxi rides for 'a full safety review'

Following the freak accident, Cruise is also pausing its manned robotaxi rides for 'a full safety review.'

This portable Solo Stove fire pit is on rare sale for over $50 off today — nab it for the holidays

It's smokeless, so you won't smell like a wood stove afterward. And this 20% off deal is only on until midnight.

October inflation data is 'nirvana' for stock market bulls

With investors more confident that the Fed is done hiking, bond yields stumbled and risk on assets caught a bit during Tuesday's trading session.

92-year-old ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant steals the show — and all the prize money — with impressive performance that Vanna White called her ‘favorite’ ever

Son and elderly mom not only won a big prize package but they stole the hearts of Pat, Vanna and viewers.

Champions Classic: John Calipari's Kentucky squad shows much-needed promise in loss to Kansas; Duke found a new star

John Calipari has a lot to prove this season, so going toe-to-toe with No. 1 Kansas on Tuesday may be an important first step.

Ahead of the latest Kardashian docuseries, a look back at all their TV shows through the years

In anticipation of the new 'House of Kardashian' docuseries, an exhaustive rundown of all their past shows.

Draymond Green ejected for putting Rudy Gobert in chokehold during Timberwolves-Warriors brawl

Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels were also ejected for starting the brawl.

'Devastating toll' of climate change now impacting 'all regions' of the U.S., Biden says

The federal government’s fifth National Climate Assessment, released Tuesday, details how climate change is effecting every corner of the country.

A comprehensive list of all the early Black Friday sales you can shop right now — you’re welcome

Don't wait to start saving.

Kelly Oubre Jr. 'in good spirits' as he returns to 76ers' facility days after being struck by motor vehicle

The investigation remains ongoing and there was no update on Tuesday.

Washington State, Oregon State land court victory against Pac-12

A Washington judge ruled in favor of Washington State and Oregon State in their case against the outgoing Pac-12 members.

Did McCarthy 'sucker-punch' Burchett? Here's what we know.

Two Republican congressmen involved in a physical altercation at the Capitol on Tuesday have offered different versions of what went down in the hallway.

Stephen Curry sidelined with knee soreness, reportedly has sprain in right knee

The injury is a blow for a struggling Warriors offense that hasn't seen a player other than Curry score 20 points in a game this season.

Michael Levin tells us how Tyrese Maxey saved the 76ers | Devine Intervention

Michael Levin from the Rights to Ricky Sanchez podcast joins Dan Devine for an episode of Devine Intervention that goes all the way back to the “Process Era” Philadelphia 76ers up to this year’s team and hits on almost everything in between.