United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
An accident report has concluded a cruise ship passenger died of injuries suffered during a heavy storm on the way back to England nearly a year ago.
Saga’s Spirit of Discovery was buffeted by force 11 winds in the Bay of Biscay. injuring 100 people.
Eight were taken to hospital on the ship’s return to Portsmouth.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report said one of the passengers hospitalised died from their injuries.
The report said a combination of propulsion issues and heavy storm force conditions led to the injuries and the death.
The Spirit of Discovery was sailing to La Corona from the Canary Islands but La Coruna port had closed due to the weather conditions
The ship crew decided to return direct to the UK but the propulsion safety system was activated in the stormy weather.
It brought the ship to an abrupt stop.
“Spirit of Discovery lost propulsion in heavy weather while crossing the Bay of Biscay. This led to the vessel moving violently while the crew restarted the vessel’s propulsion,” the report stated.
“The propulsion issues, storm force conditions and vessel motions continued until the following morning when Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage.”
It said during this period over 100 passengers were injured, eight seriously.
The MAIB’s investigation looked at all aspects aspects of the incident to ‘determine the causes and circumstances’ of the loss of propulsion in heavy weather and the crew’s response.
Related News Stories:
Related News Stories: Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm Report Shows 100 Injured, One Dead as Cruise Battled Violent ... Cruise line facing possible class action over 'unethical' casino ... Inside Saga cruise hell: Passenger on board storm-lashed ship died ... One dead in New Zealand tour bus crash Passenger on storm-lashed Saga cruise given chilling instruction ... Spirit of Discovery ship: Passenger died and 100 injured on cruise ... Passenger dies as Spirit of Discovery cruise ship lashed by 30ft ... Cruise ship passenger died as Spirit of Discovery lashed by 30ft ... How does it feel inside a ship during a heavy storm at sea? - Quora
Learn more about : Saga Cruises ( United Kingdom )
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
EU entry-exit system delayed again
Carnival Cruise Line hosts Prague getaway for Fun Ambassadors
Council moves to designate Forest of Dean a Biosphere
US tourism hit with UK, Germany travel warnings
Uganda Airlines launching London flights