On November 4, 2023, passengers aboard the Spirit of Discovery cruise ship faced terror as a massive 30-foot wave struck while the ship traveled through the Bay of Biscay. Battling force 11 winds, the ship was severely rocked, leaving one passenger dead and more than 100 injured in the storm’s aftermath.
The storm caused extensive damage, with video footage from a passenger capturing the waves’ brutal impact.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) launched an investigation, revealing that the ship lost “propulsion” at approximately 12:30 GMT, causing it to sway “violently” as passengers braced themselves amid the chaos.
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Amid the ordeal, the ship’s speaker system sounded a “Code Alpha,” signaling a medical emergency.
Passengers were advised to remain seated or lie down. “It was quite frightening,” said 75-year-old Jan Bendall, recalling her experience. “I’m not somebody who frightens easily… it was quite dramatic,” she told the BBC.
According to the interim report, the propulsion issues continued into the morning, prolonging the harrowing experience.
By the time the ship reached Portsmouth two days later, eight passengers needed hospital care, and one unnamed person later succumbed to their injuries.
Passenger Alan Grisedale recorded some of the chaos on his phone.
“You can see huge waves battering the ship’s exterior,” Grisedale shared, adding that his wife was knocked over during the storm.
Onboard footage and passenger accounts describe scenes of destruction, with glass broken, tables overturned, and belongings scattered.
Passengers and crew struggled to maintain stability, with many suffering cuts, bruises, and fractures as the ship swayed violently in the powerful storm.
A Saga spokesperson expressed deep sympathy in a statement, saying,
Embed from Getty Images“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the family of our guest who died following the storm in the Bay of Biscay last year.”
The spokesperson also confirmed that all passengers were offered a full refund following the harrowing incident.
The ongoing investigation, supported by Saga, aims to uncover the full details of the tragic event.
According to the report, “The propulsion issues, storm force conditions, and vessel motions continued until the following morning when Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage.”
In an emotional reflection, Jan Bendall noted that she and her husband were fortunate due to their physical health.
But for “some of the older people and people in their own cabins, it was quite worrying.”
As details continue to emerge, passengers are left reflecting on the terrifying experience.
Embed from Getty ImagesSaga is promising further safety measures and continued support for the investigation. The tragic loss and injuries underscore the risks of unpredictable ocean weather and the toll it can take on those at sea.
