COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A cruise ship at the center of a dramatic evacuation off north Norway five years ago should never have left port because it was not up to safety standards, officials said Tuesday, adding that it could have developed into one of the worst disasters at sea in modern times.
In a report, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority upbraided the Viking Sky, saying it was ”a ship’s length from running aground.”
The ship left the northern city of Tromsoe carrying almost 1,400 people, despite storm warnings. It was headed for Stavanger in southern Norway when it had engine problems amid a storm on March 23, 2019, and issued a mayday call.
The ship anchored in heavy seas to avoid being dashed on the rocks in an area known for shipwrecks. Passengers saw a large wave crashing through glass doors and knocking people across the floor of an area where they had been instructed to gather.
Nearly 480 passengers were winched off the ship by helicopter despite high winds in a daring rescue operation. The captain then decided to halt the evacuation, and about 900 people were still on board when the ship limped into the Norwegian port of Molde on its own engines.
Dozens of people were injured during the ship’s harrowing ordeal, including 36 who were admitted to hospitals.
Norwegian authorities immediately launched a probe into the accident, which concluded Tuesday that the ship was unprepared to sail in rough seas.
“The accident was caused by insufficient lubricating oil in all of the operating diesel generators’ lubricating oil sump tanks, in combination with pitching and rolling in rough seas,” investigators wrote. “The investigation has identified operational, technical, and organisational safety issues that in different ways contributed to the blackout.”
“As Viking Sky did not comply with the applicable safety standards, it should not have departed Tromsoe under the prevailing circumstances,” the report said.
There was no immediate reaction from operator Viking Ocean Cruises.
The Norwegian safety organization, the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), has recently criticized a cruise ship for a close call during a storm in 2019. The incident, which occurred off the coast of Norway, has raised concerns about the safety of cruise ships in extreme weather conditions.
The cruise ship in question was the Viking Sky, which was carrying over 1,300 passengers and crew members when it encountered rough seas and high winds during a storm in March 2019. The ship lost engine power and was left adrift in the stormy waters, prompting a dramatic rescue operation that saw helicopters airlifting passengers to safety.
The NMA conducted an investigation into the incident and found that the Viking Sky had failed to take appropriate precautions to avoid the dangerous situation. The organization criticized the cruise ship for not heeding weather warnings and for not having adequate emergency procedures in place.
The NMA’s criticism of the Viking Sky highlights the importance of safety measures on cruise ships, especially when sailing in areas prone to extreme weather conditions. Cruise lines must ensure that their ships are equipped to handle adverse weather and that their crew members are trained to respond effectively in emergency situations.
In response to the incident, the NMA has called for stricter regulations and oversight of cruise ships operating in Norwegian waters. The organization has also urged cruise lines to prioritize passenger safety above all else and to take all necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The close call involving the Viking Sky serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of cruising in stormy seas and the importance of ensuring that cruise ships are prepared for any eventuality. Passengers should always be aware of the safety measures in place on their cruise ship and be prepared to follow instructions from the crew in case of an emergency.
Overall, the NMA’s criticism of the Viking Sky highlights the need for cruise lines to prioritize safety above all else and to take all necessary precautions to protect their passengers and crew members. By learning from past incidents and implementing stricter safety measures, cruise lines can ensure that their passengers have a safe and enjoyable experience on board their ships.
