Thousands of Passengers Stranded as Norwegian Cruise Ship Runs Aground in Bermuda
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A Norwegian cruise ship carrying thousands of passengers bound for Boston has run aground in Bermuda, leaving passengers stranded onboard overnight. The Norwegian Dawn ship hit a reef near Bermuda’s North Channel while attempting to depart, leaving officials scrambling to find a solution.
The incident has prompted a response from small boats, divers, and tug boats, who are surrounding the ship in an effort to assess the situation and aid in any potential rescue operations. While officials assess the extent of the damage, it has been reported that the ship is in a stable position.
Passenger Rachel Hansen, from Londonderry, New Hampshire, shared her experience with The Associated Press, stating that the captain informed everyone that the ship would remain stationary until Wednesday morning. Hansen revealed that the ship was approximately three miles from Bermuda when it ran aground.
We definitely felt it, she said. We were in the middle of eating dinner… There was a shudder for maybe 30 seconds to a minute, and then there was a sudden stop.
Hansen recounted the chaotic scene that followed, with crew members running around in panic. However, she commended the majority of the crew members for reacting calmly and quickly. As the hours progressed, passengers settled into their evening routines, and the ship continued to provide entertainment shows as planned.
Norwegian Cruise Line released a brief statement acknowledging that the ship temporarily lost power, affecting its propulsion. The statement assured that everyone onboard is safe and that the ship has now regained full power. The company has yet to provide further comment on the incident.
The U.S. Coast Guard has refrained from comment and redirected inquiries to Bermuda authorities.
The Norwegian Dawn offers a popular seven-day, round-trip cruise to Bermuda, with three days spent in port. As news of the incident spreads, concerns arise regarding the impact on future cruises and the reputation of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Passengers and their families now eagerly await news of when they will be able to disembark and return home. While the situation appears stable for now, the fate of the Norwegian Dawn and its passengers remains uncertain.
This unexpected event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel. Cruise ship operators now face the challenge of ensuring the safety and well-being of their passengers while navigating through unforeseen obstacles.
As developments unfold, authorities, passengers, and the global community anxiously await news of a resolution.
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