One passenger died in hospital from injuries sustained and 100 were injured when a Saga Cruises ship lost power during a storm in the Bay of Biscay, an official report has found.
Spirit of Discovery was carrying 943 passengers and 503 crew when it was hit by force 11 winds and heavy seas while on course from Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands to Portsmouth.
The ship lost propulsion in heavy weather while crossing the Bay of Biscay at about 12.30 on November 4 last year.
This led to the vessel moving violently while the crew restarted the vessel’s propulsion, according to an interim report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
“The propulsion issues, storm force conditions and vessel motions continued until the following morning when Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage.
“During this period over 100 passengers were injured. Eight of the seriously injured passengers were taken directly to hospital on arrival at Portsmouth, one of whom later died from their injuries.”
The MAIB said its investigation has considered all aspects of the accident to determine the causes and circumstances of Spirit of Discovery’s loss of propulsion in heavy weather and the on board response.
This included analysis of the vessel’s intended passage, preparations for operating in heavy weather, the on board response to passenger injuries and damage and the medical treatment of injured passengers.
The report added: “The MAIB investigation is nearing completion, and a draft of the report is being prepared and will be distributed to stakeholders for a 30-day consultation period in due course.”
A Saga Cruises spokesperson said at the time: “Spirit of Discovery was sadly caught in the challenging weather conditions this weekend, as she started her return to the UK.
“The ship remained safe at all times, but due to the impact of the storm some guests sustained injuries. All were treated immediately by onboard medical staff.
“While the weather is clearly beyond our control, we want to offer our sincere apologies to all those affected who are now safely on their way home in calmer seas.”