Inside Footage Of A Cruise Ship Hit By Hurricane-force Winds, Passengers Injured
On November 7, 2024, a strong storm hit Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship, the Explorer of the Seas, as it sailed in the Atlantic Ocean. The powerful winds struck about 750 miles off the coast of Morocco while the ship was on its way from Tenerife, Spain, to Florida. This sudden storm, with winds reaching between 55 to 75 miles per hour, created a frightening situation for both passengers and crew members.
Around 7:00 p.m., a heavy squall—an intense burst of wind—swept over the ship. The high winds rocked the ship, causing it to roll sharply. Passengers felt the ship sway and saw items sliding across the floors. Plates, glasses, and items from gift shops fell and broke, covering many areas with scattered objects. Passengers described the experience as very scary, as the storm was sudden and intense.
Several people onboard suffered minor injuries. The captain responded immediately by asking everyone to return to their rooms for safety. The crew took action quickly, checking to make sure all passengers were accounted for and assessing any injuries. While most injuries were small, one passenger needed extra medical help, so the captain decided to return the ship to Las Palmas, Spain, to get that passenger the care they needed.
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Many guests shared videos and photos online, showing the mess left by the storm inside the ship, with broken bottles, tableware, and other items scattered on the floors. The crew worked hard through the night to clean up and ensure everyone was okay.
Because of the storm, the Explorer of the Seas, which can hold up to 4,290 passengers and 1,185 crew members, had to change its route. Instead of heading to its next planned stops, the ship was directed to Tenerife to avoid further bad weather. The delay means the ship will now arrive in Miami on November 17, three days later than originally scheduled.
Passengers praised the captain, Captain Frank, and the crew for their fast and thoughtful actions during this challenging time. Many appreciated the crew’s efforts to keep them safe and comfortable and for the quick response that likely prevented more serious injuries.
