Wild Videos Show Rogue Wave Wreak Havoc on Cruise
Stomach-churning footage of massive waves battering the vessel in the North Sea have gone viral.
Rogue Wave Knocks Out Power and Navigation System
According to Danish authorities and the ship's owner, a rogue wave combined with high winds resulted in a brief power outage and navigation system failure on a luxury Norwegian cruise. Viral footage captures the massive waves pounding the vessel in the North Sea, including a clip of the rogue wave that broke windows and caused power loss on the MS Maud.
The Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Center stated that the ship currently has no power and its navigation systems and radars are not functioning. Although the main engine is still operational, the ship's movement is limited without the navigation systems.
Despite the alarming videos, the cruise company HX, a subsidiary of Norway's Hurtigruten Group, reassured that all 266 passengers and 131 crew members onboard the MS Maud are physically unharmed, although seasickness is expected due to the rough conditions.
Terrifying Moments for Passengers
Passengers onboard the MS Maud experienced terrifying moments when the rogue wave struck the ship. One passenger described the immediate chaos as the TV screen went blank and the ship's distress signal sounded. As the waves battered the vessel, passengers, tables, and chairs were thrown around.
The incident occurred approximately 120 miles off Denmark's west coast while the MS Maud was en route from Floroe, Norway's westernmost town, to Tilbury in England. The Hurtigruten Group, the owner of the ship, emphasized its suitability for expedition cruising and highlighted the high cost of the experience.
In order to bring the damaged ship back to safety, a tow vessel was dispatched to tow it back to a port in Germany. Currently, the ship is being manually steered from the engine room but lacks the ability to navigate.
Conclusion
The rogue wave incident on the MS Maud has gained significant attention due to the viral videos capturing the terrifying moment. While the ship's power and navigation system were momentarily knocked out, no physical harm was reported among the passengers and crew. Efforts are underway to safely tow the damaged vessel back to a port in Germany.
Passengers onboard the MS Maud were not prepared for the intense encounter with the rogue wave and the subsequent rough seas. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the importance of safety measures while cruising. Thankfully, all individuals onboard managed to escape any serious injuries.
As the ship remains unable to navigate, it is evident that the impact of the rogue wave has disrupted the planned cruise itinerary. The Hurtigruten Group will likely ensure necessary repairs are carried out to prevent similar incidents in the future.
