On Thursday, a Norwegian cruise ship, MS Maud, faced a disabling incident in the North Sea, resulting in a loss of power. Denmark’s maritime authorities reported that the vessel encountered difficulties in navigation after strong winds shattered glass windows, allowing water ingress and causing a temporary power outage.
Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX), the cruise company operating MS Maud, provided a slightly different account, stating that the ship experienced a temporary power loss on Thursday “after encountering a rogue wave.” The vessel, carrying 266 guests and 131 crew members, was en route from Florø, Norway, to Tilbury, United Kingdom.
The incident occurred approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers) off the west coast of Denmark. According to a spokesperson for the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), the JRCC was not requested to evacuate passengers and crew, leading them to believe that everyone on board was safe.
As of late Friday, the HX spokesperson confirmed that all crew and guests were safe, the ship’s condition remained stable, and the crew could navigate under their power. The civilian vessel, while stable with engines running, faced challenges as the navigation systems and radar were down due to water in the bridge systems.
Despite the setbacks, emergency systems allowed the ship to maneuver, and two civilian support vessels from the company Esvagt were nearby. The JRCC spokesperson emphasized that the vessel was stable, and arrangements had been made for onward travel.
After safety checks and technical assessments, HX announced a change in the ship’s route. Passengers will now disembark in Bremerhaven, Germany, where the cruise company has arranged onward travel for the guests on board.
This incident underscores the challenges that maritime vessels can face in adverse weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and emergency systems to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew. The cruise industry, which relies on the reliability of its vessels, must continually evaluate and enhance safety measures to mitigate risks and respond effectively to unforeseen events at sea.