On Saturday afternoon, the Viking sky lost its engine power off the coast of Norway near Molde. A distress signal was sent out as the ship started drifting towards the land. There were 1,300 passengers and crew on board. 5 helicopters and a number of vessels were sent for rescue.
The rescuers faced a stormy weather and waves which were 6-8 metres high as they airlifted 479 passengers from Hustadvika area on the western coast of Norway by helicopter.
20 people sustained injuries and have been treated at medical facilities in Norway. On Sunday morning, the ship regained its engine. There are 436 guests and 458 crew still on board as the vessel is being carried to the port by two supply ships and one tug assist
vessel.
The Viking ocean cruises said, “throughout all of this, our first priority was for the safety and well-being of our passengers and our crew”. They also thanked the Norwegian emergency services and the local residents who had come to aid during the crisis.
An American passenger, Jan Terbruegen, who was rescued and brought to the shore, described the scenario of the Viking sky while he was on board. “Furniture would slide across the room, slide back and with it came people and glass.
It was a very dangerous situation frankly,” Terbruegen said. Passengers were being taken to the hotel in Molde and Kristiansun, where evacuees’ centres have been established.
Some interior images of the damage to #VikingSky. Incredibly relieved to hear that everyone is safe. ❤️ I believe British residents with concerns about friends or family onboard can get info by calling: 0208 780 7900. #cruise
Image Credit: Working Pinoy: Cruise Ship pic.twitter.com/N38YKZ1DU3
— Danielle (@CruiseMiss) March 24, 2019
The Viking Sky Ship is owned by the Viking Ocean Cruises ship. The Vikings said that they have cancelled its next sailing which was scheduled on March 27.
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