A Norwegian cruise ship has finally docked after a night dormant at sea following reported engine troubles.
Shortly after 2 p.m. on Saturday in Norway (just before 6 a.m. PT), Norwegian police say they were made aware of a cruise ship in distress off the midwestern coast of Norway.
Battery dying and people sleeping everywhere. Probably my last tweet of the night. #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/ouzegYmHOD
— Alexus Sheppard 🏳️🌈 (@alexus309) March 24, 2019
According to Police, the Viking Sky was in distress due to engine problems.
Global Affairs Canada said they are aware of 15 Canadian citizens who were on board the Viking Sky during the incident, one of which was injured.
Pretty calm at the muster station #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/SKMmj8GQLA
— Alexus Sheppard 🏳️🌈 (@alexus309) March 23, 2019
“Canadian officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance to those involved, including a Canadian citizen who has been injured,” said Stefano Maron, a spokesperson for Global Affairs.
According to CBC, of the 1,373 passengers and crew onboard, 20 were injured.
Still waiting for evacuation. #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/6EvcAjf5D2
— Alexus Sheppard 🏳️🌈 (@alexus309) March 23, 2019
Viking Sky, operated by Viking Ocean Cruises, is classified as a small ship, built in 2017 at a size of 745-feet, with a beam of 94.5-ft. Vikings’ website states it can carry 930 guests.
While rescue operations were underway, 460 passengers were evacuated from the ship via airlift.
Here’s my 83 year old dad being airlifted from the #vikingsky We are all off the ship safely! pic.twitter.com/FCToSn4L16
— Ryan Flynn (@RyanDFlynn11) March 24, 2019
Those evacuated were received at an indoor sport court before being sent to evacuation centres in Molde and Kristiansund. Norway's Red Cross said that passengers received dry clothes, blankets and first aid.
Some of the passengers had suffered bruising, broken bones and cuts, according to Norway Red Cross.
Passengers from #VikingSky are received by #RødeKors on arrival #Hustadvika evacuation centre. They receive dry clothes, blankets and first aid. We see bruising, broken bones, and cuts. Many need a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on, someone to talk to. https://t.co/87I9J5L60x pic.twitter.com/fBiob0vyeY
— Norges Røde Kors (@rodekorsnorge) March 24, 2019
At 4:30 p.m. Norwegian time (8:30 a.m. PT) on Sunday, the Viking Sky docked in the port of Molde, said Viking Ocean Cruises in an update.
Still on #vikingsky more than 15 hours after the initial mayday call! We need off this ship! pic.twitter.com/T4sFqc1dZ3
— Ryan Flynn (@RyanDFlynn11) March 24, 2019
When the boat arrived in Molde, there were 436 passengers still on board with another 458 crew members, said Police.
Finally coming into Molde, Norway #VikingStar #WhatARelief pic.twitter.com/SiOiuz80SD
— Alexus Sheppard 🏳️🌈 (@alexus309) March 24, 2019
“All passengers and crew are safe, and passengers will be flying home starting tonight,” the update from Viking Ocean Cruises said.
“Throughout all of this, our first priority was for the safety and well-being of our passengers and our crew.”
Passengers will begin travelling to their home destinations on Sunday, with many passengers having left Molde earlier this afternoon (evening in Norway). All returns are expected to be completed by Monday evening in Norway.
Viking Ocean Cruises reports that they have cancelled their next sailing which was scheduled to embark on March 27.
