Terrifying footage shows huge waves that left one dead and 100 injured on UK-bound cruise ship – UK News

Horrific footage captured by a passenger showed what it was like to be on board the Spirit of Discovery cruise ship during a storm that claimed one life.

In November last year the cruise ship was shaken by a strong storm while passing through the Bay of Biscay on the way back to Great Britain11 force winds and 30 foot high waves.

A cruise ship was damaged by a storm last November (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images)

What happened aboard the Spirit of Discovery last November?

An interim report on the incident has now been released, confirming that more than 100 people were injured in the storm. Eight of those passengers were taken to hospital after the ship arrived back in Portsmouth two days later, and one person, whose name has not been released, later died from his injuries.

The report, which is being carried out by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) with the support of the Saga cruise ship’s parent company, found that the ship lost “propulsion power” at around 12.30pm GMT on November 4, causing it to “roll violently”. ‘.

“Problems with the drive, storm force conditions and the vessel’s movement continued until the following morning when the Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage,” the report said.

Passengers recalled how they “held on for dear life” during the storm (Richard Reynolds)

“During this period, more than 100 passengers were injured. Eight of the seriously injured were taken directly to hospital upon arrival at Portsmouth, England, one of whom later died of his injuries.”

During and after the incident, various accounts from passengers on board began to circulate, with images and videos showing the ship in disarray due to broken glass and overturned tables.

The terrifying footage, filmed by passenger Alan Grisedale, shows huge waves crashing against the exterior of the ship. Grisedale added to BBC that he was filming the situation when his wife was knocked over by traffic.

A crew member can be heard saying over the loudspeaker “Code Alpha”, which is the term for an emergency aboard a cruise ship.

Meanwhile, another terrified passenger recalled being told to “stay put or lie down” as he wobbled violently.

“It was very scary,” she continued. “I’m not one to scare easily … it was quite dramatic,” said Ian Bendall, 75.

“We’re lucky – we’re fully functional, but I think some of the elderly people and people in their cabins were very worried.”

A Saga spokesperson has since shared its condolences with the family of the dead passenger in a statement, adding that all those on board have been offered full refunds.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with the family of our guest who died after the storm in Bay of Biscay last year We continue to work with the Marine Accident Investigation Unit, supporting their investigation,” they said.