Saga cruise ship horror: 100 passengers injured in storm at sea

Spirit of Discovery

The ship has returned to the UK

GETTY
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 07/11/2023

- 09:55

Updated: 07/11/2023

- 10:09

A cruise ship has returned to the UK after being caught in a storm

The Spirit of Discovery ship was caught in a storm in France that disrupted guests.

It left some passengers injured as the ship veered during a safety manoeuvre.


This took place at the Bay of Biscay, France on Saturday evening.

Some 100 passengers were injured but most of these were minor, cruise company Saga confirmed.

Spirit of Discovery

Saga confirmed most injuries were not serious

GETTY

While many did not suffer, five guests are thought to have received medical treatment.

The ship had set sail for the Canary Islands more than a week ago, on October 24.

It had around 1,000 people on board and the first 10 days of the 14-day cruise went to plan.

However, the final stop of Las Palmas was cancelled after crew members found out about the storm.

Instead, the ship headed for A Coruña, Spain but discovered the port was closed.

It then headed back to the UK to end the trip early, however it was caught in the storm while passing through the Bay of Biscay.

The ship was forced to veer as a safety measure, which is when many of the injuries took place.

A Saga spokesperson said: "Spirit of Discovery was sadly caught in the challenging weather conditions this weekend, as she started her return to the UK.

Spirit of Discovery

The ship was caught in a storm

GETTY

"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.”

It added the ship remained safe at all times, and it stayed stationary until the weather improved.

It then returned to the UK, where it has docked in Portsmouth.

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