A Norwegian cruise ship carrying 400 passengers and crew is currently being towed back to Germany after being hit by a ‘rogue wave’ that resulted in a power outage during a severe storm in the North Sea. The MS Maud, owned by cruise company HX, a unit of Norway’s Hurtigruten Group, was sailing approximately 162 miles off Denmark’s west coast and 217 miles off Britain’s east coast when the wave shattered windows on the bridge.
The ship, which had embarked on a 14-day Northern Lights expedition from Tilbury, UK on December 9, was scheduled to return to the Essex port on December 23, indicating that there are likely several British passengers on board. Disturbing footage captured by passengers showcases the tumultuous conditions, with the ship violently rocking up and down as it battled enormous waves, resulting in belongings being strewn across the floor.
Fortunately, all 266 passengers and 131 crew members are safe, according to a spokesperson from the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (DJRC). The DJRC confirmed that a vessel from civil rescue firm Esvagt managed to establish a tow line with the cruise ship. The MS Maud is now being towed towards Bremerhaven, Germany, at a speed of 8-9 knots.
The power loss caused the crew to lose navigation capabilities. However, the ship’s main engine is still operational, allowing for manual steering from the engine room. The MS Maud departed Floroe, Norway on Thursday and was scheduled to arrive in Tilbury, UK on Friday. Following the incident, Hurtigruten, the parent company, confirmed in a statement that the ship is heading to Bremerhaven for disembarkation.
A spokesperson for HX provided further details, stating, Yesterday afternoon, December 21, MS Maud reported a temporary loss of power after encountering a rogue wave. The ship was sailing towards Tilbury, UK from Florø, Norway when the incident occurred. At this time, the ship has confirmed that no serious guest or crew injuries have been sustained as a result of the incident. The condition of the ship remains stable, and the crew is able to sail under their own power. Following ongoing safety checks and technical assessments, given the weather conditions, we decided to amend the planned sailing route. Across the fleet, there are thorough operational protocols in place, and we always prioritize the safety of those onboard. The ship is currently sailing to Bremerhaven, Germany for disembarkation. Our team is working to arrange onward travel back home for guests onboard.
The area was hit by a storm late on Thursday with hurricane-force gusts blowing from the northwest, and these conditions are expected to persist on Friday, according to the Danish Meteorological Institute. This incident comes just six weeks after another cruise ship, the Spirit of Discovery operated by Saga, was severely affected by a storm in the Bay of Biscay, forcing the vessel to cease operation and return to Portsmouth ahead of schedule.
The MS Maud, formerly known as the MS Midnatsol, was named after a polar vessel from a century ago and is equipped with advanced technology for ideal cruises between Norway and the British Isles. The cost of journeys on the MS Maud ranges from $3,000 to nearly $10,000.
As the weather continues to pose challenges for cruise ships, the industry will likely review safety measures to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members during such incidents.
