Passengers aboard the Spirit of Discovery—Saga Cruises— recently endured a traumatic experience as the ship battled a fierce storm in the Bay of Biscay. The storm triggered the ship’s safety system, resulting in a sudden veer to the left and a prolonged standstill—15 hours.
The incident occurred on a 14-day cruise to the Canary Islands. About 100 of the thousand or so passengers sustained mostly minor injuries, while five individuals required hospitalization.
In response to the injuries, the dining room was transformed into a makeshift medical area, and passengers were instructed to stay in their cabins, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Despite the turmoil, many passengers commended the crew and captain for maintaining regular communication and providing updates and reassurance. This proactive approach was crucial in managing the situation and maintaining calm during the storm.
Saga, the cruise company, confirmed “very limited” damage inside the ship and assured that safety was maintained throughout.