Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas appeared severely disorganized, with goods scattered across the floor, creating a trashed and chaotic scene. It seemed as though items were tossed around carelessly, leaving the ship looking far from its usual polished state.
A massive Royal Caribbean cruise ship tilted by 45 degrees due to freak weather off the coast of Africa, leaving passengers struggling to maintain their balance. One person was reported injured in the incident.
Cruise ships are colossal vessels that transport thousands of passengers around the globe, offering once-in-a-lifetime vacations to some of the world’s most stunning destinations. It’s no wonder that many people say you catch the “bug” after your first cruise, with it becoming the ultimate go-to holiday experience.
However, as with any vacation, things can sometimes go wrong—just like they did this week aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas. Part of the cruise line’s luxury fleet, Explorer boasts impressive amenities, including an ice skating rink, a mini-golf course, waterslides, and even a rock climbing wall.
While sailing from Europe to Florida, Explorer of the Seas—carrying over 5,000 passengers and crew—was struck by a powerful gust of wind that sent drinks flying off tables and left the ship’s shops looking as if they’d been ransacked.
The incident occurred as the ship was en route from Barcelona to Miami and was hit by an “unexpected” wind blast near Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa. The force of the gust was so strong that many areas of the ship were left in disarray. The main shopping precinct, located centrally on the ship, was particularly affected, despite its position making it less vulnerable than the ship’s outer sections.
According to a passenger aboard the ship, winds on Explorer of the Seas surged from 46 mph to 86 mph, causing chaos throughout the vessel. In the ship’s bars, bottles crashed to the floor, while clothing racks were toppled and left in disarray in the shops.
As the ship tilted, passengers had to brace themselves and grab onto anything they could to maintain their balance. Advertising boards were hurled across walkways, with some even striking people as the ship rocked violently.
Passenger Jonathan Parrish shared his experience with CBS News, saying, “I think there was about five minutes where everyone was wondering what was going on, but as soon as the captain came on and explained what had happened, it kind of gave you a sense of calm.” Parrish described feeling the ship take a “hard right turn,” followed by an even “more intense” maneuver.
One person was reported injured during the incident, prompting the ship to be redirected to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands for medical assistance.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean explained: “During an unexpected wind gust near Tenerife, Spain, one of our sailings experienced sudden movement. One of our guests was injured and requires additional medical care, so the ship will make a stop in Las Palmas, Spain, for a medical disembarkation.”
“We are communicating these changes directly with our guests,” the spokesperson added.
As a result of the diversion to Las Palmas, Explorer of the Seas is now expected to arrive in Miami two weeks later than originally scheduled.
