A holiday traveler tragically lost their life after a cruise ship was caught in severe weather last year, according to an official incident report.
On November 4, 2023, the Spirit of Discovery, a vessel operated by Saga Cruises, encountered a storm in the Bay of Biscay.
Reports indicate that the cruise had previously decided to cancel a stop at Las Palmas, a significant port on Gran Canaria’s northeastern coast, due to worsening weather conditions.
The crew aboard the Spirit of Discovery then opted to head back to the UK after the ship ‘lost propulsion in heavy weather,’ facing force 11 winds.
At the time, the cruise liner, carrying 943 passengers and 503 crew members, was tossed around in storm-force conditions, sustaining ‘internal and external damage.’
Over 100 passengers sustained injuries during the ordeal, and eight required hospitalization upon the ship’s return to Portsmouth, England.
Tragically, one of the seriously injured travelers later passed away, as detailed in the official report.
“At about 12.30 on 4 November 2023, the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery lost propulsion in heavy weather while crossing the Bay of Biscay,” the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) stated, according to LBC.
“This led to the vessel moving violently while the crew restarted the vessel’s propulsion. 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 report highlighted that ‘all aspects’ of the incident have been reviewed, including the crew’s response to passenger injuries and analysis of the planned route.
The MAIB also investigated the preparations for operating in severe weather and the medical care provided to the 100 injured passengers.
The interim statement noted that the investigation is nearing completion, with a comprehensive report for ‘consultation with the parties involved’ expected to be released soon.
A spokesperson for Saga Cruises mentioned that while the weather was ‘clearly beyond’ their control, they extended their ‘sincere apologies to all those affected’ by the incident.
A representative also recently stated: “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.”