A new report has detailed a harrowing ordeal at sea after the cruise ship Spirit of Discovery encountered devastating weather conditions that led to tragic consequences.
As cited by BBC News, the tragedy resulted in the death of a passenger and more than 100 others injured.
On November 4, 2023, while traversing the tumultuous Bay of Biscay, the ship was struck by formidable force 11 winds.
The ship had been on a 14-night Canary Island Quintet cruise. However, 10 days into the sailing, it encountered adverse weather conditions and opted to cancel its final call to Las Palmas.
However, as the storm worsened, the decision was made to head to the UK earlier than planned.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has now released an interim report detailing the severe incidents that unfolded during the storm.
As the gale raged around them, the Spirit of Discovery – which was carrying 943 passengers and 503 crew members – suffered a critical propulsion failure. This mechanical breakdown caused the vessel to move erratically.
The Sun adds that the Saga-operated vessel was struck by 30ft waves.
The cruise liner suffered “internal and external damage” as a result.
The aftermath of this dire episode was also heartbreakingly devastating. Over 100 passengers sustained injuries due to the violent movements of the ship, and eight individuals required urgent hospitalization upon the ship’s arrival in Portsmouth two days later.
Tragically, one of these passengers succumbed to their injuries.
The report reads: “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.
“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 adds.
“During this period over 100 passengers were injured. Eight of the seriously injured passengers were taken directly to hospital on arrival at Portsmouth, England, one of whom later died from their injuries.”
One passenger, Richard Reynolds, whose wife and elderly parents were on the ship, described the storm as “horrendous”, adding that passengers were screaming for their lives, per The Mirror.
Saga, the cruise line operating the Spirit of Discovery, has expressed its profound condolences. A spokesperson from Saga relayed their deep sympathies to the family of the deceased, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation led by the MAIB.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the family of our guest who died following the storm in the Bay of Biscay last year,” the spokesperson said, adding that all guests had been offered a refund. “We are continuing to work with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, supporting their investigation.”
Per The Sun, the company addressed the ordeal in a statement last year, which read: “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.”
The investigation aims not to assign blame but to prevent future tragedies by scrutinizing all elements of the incident — from the loss of propulsion and the ship’s readiness for severe weather conditions to the crew’s response and the adequacy of medical treatment provided on board.
The MAIB’s full report is impending, with the investigation nearing completion. This report will be shared with stakeholders to facilitate a comprehensive review and implementation of necessary safety enhancements.
