Strong Winds Cause Listing and Injuries on Cruise Ship

Passengers and crew aboard the Crown Princess experienced unexpected drama during a 14-day voyage from Sydney when the ship encountered strong winds in New Zealand’s Milford Sound. The 3,000-passenger ship listed to one side, causing chaos on board. Tables tipped over, items scattered, and people were thrown about. The pool water spilled over onto the deck, and gift shops saw perfume and skincare items flying off shelves. Thirteen passengers and three crew members suffered minor injuries as a result of the dramatic listing.

Despite the chaos, Princess Cruises assured that there was no structural damage to the ship. The crew quickly responded to the situation, and the safety of the ship was never compromised. The company stated that the remainder of the voyage would continue as planned. The incident was attributed to strong winds during a course change, causing the ship to briefly tilt beyond its usual movement before stabilizing. Water from the pool flooded a dining area, but was promptly cleaned up.

The footage from inside the ship showed the lurching motion caused by the winds, with staff seen running to address the situation. Princess Cruises addressed the incident in a statement, acknowledging the challenges faced during the voyage. Despite the minor injuries and the chaos on board, the cruise line emphasized that the safety of the passengers and crew was a top priority. The company’s quick response and the lack of structural damage ensured that the voyage could continue without further disruptions.

Source