News

Viking Sky reaches port after dramatic rescues

Cruise ship Viking Sky arrived at the port of Molde in Norway yesterday after rough seas led to the dramatic rescue of hundreds of passengers.

Almost 480 of the 1,373 people on board were airlifted from the ailing vessel after it lost power in bad weather off the Norwegian coast.

Among those rescued, 20 passengers suffered injuries. A total of 200 passengers were British.

Footage posted on social media from inside the vessel showed it moving violently and passengers in life jackets.

Three of the ship’s four engines were later restarted for its trip to port.

Evacuations were stopped as Viking Sky made its way to Molde on Sunday, accompanied by tugboats.

The ship sent out a mayday call in rough seas on after it suffered engine failure on Saturday afternoon en route to Stavanger from Tromso in a dangerous stretch of waters.

A local fisherman said the ship was close to hitting rocks.

Derek and Esther Browne, from Hampshire, were among 200 Britons reportedly on board the Viking Sky when it sent out a mayday call in rough seas on Saturday.

Five helicopters and several ships were called in to rescue passengers.


Read more: Twenty injured in Viking Sky rescue airlift

Viking Sky evacuated after loss of power in bad weather


Mr Browne told BBC News: “We had a few people on stretchers, several with cuts, a few with broken limbs.”

“We were going for the afternoon film show and the lights suddenly went out and then suddenly more rolling. We heard the anchor being dropped and then we were told: ‘Mayday, mayday!’ And the bleeps went off on the radio and that was it – we all had to evacuate.”

Viking Cruises said: “At 4:30pm (Norwegian time) March 24, the Viking Sky docked in the port of Molde. All passengers and crew are safe, and passengers will be flying home starting tonight.

“Throughout all of this, our first priority was for the safety and well-being of our passengers and our crew. We would like to thank the Norwegian Redningssentral and the Norwegian emergency services for their support and skill displayed in managing the situation in very challenging weather conditions.

“We would also like to thank the local residents who throughout the whole process have been extremely supportive and hospitable.

“If you have questions or concerns about any guests please call this number for U.S. and Australia booked guests 1-888-889-8837, and for UK booked guests 07585 779 853 or 0208 780 7900.”

The next sailing, Scandinavia & the Kiel Canal, which was scheduled to embark on March 27 has been cancelled.

Guests and travel agents have been contacted directly, the line said.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.