Cruise ship with 400 passengers loses ability to navigate after storm

A storm and difficult conditions in the North Sea resulted in a cruise ship losing power and navigation ability.

On Thursday (December 21), a Norwegian cruise ship suffered a power outage after a 'rogue wave' shattered windows on the bridge. Following this, the vessel lost the ability to navigate.

The cruise ship, MS Maud, reportedly has 266 passengers and 131 crew members on board and was traveling from Floroe, in Norway, to Tilbury, UK.

The Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre has said it believes none of those on board are harmed or in danger.

"There is no power on the ship. The main engine is functioning but the navigation systems and radars are not," a spokesperson for the centre, which is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations, said.

The centre also confirmed the 'situation is under control'.

Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX), who owns the MS Maud vessel and is a unit of Norway’s Hurtigruten Group, has spoken to the media about the ongoing situation.

YouTube / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

“Earlier this afternoon, December 21, MS Maud reported a temporary loss of power after encountering a rogue wave,” HX said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

“At this time, the ship has confirmed that no serious passenger or crew injuries have been sustained as a result of the incident and the condition of the ship remains stable.

“In line with our robust operational protocols, in addition to assuring the wellbeing of all aboard, the crew immediately conducted thorough safety checks and technical assessments.

“Further assessments are now being made for onward sailing. The ship is in direct contact with the relevant maritime authorities and shoreside support teams.”

Even though the ship does not have power or navigation capabilities, it is being steered manually from the engine room. Authorities planned to tow the vessel to a Danish port around 10:30 pm local time.

YouTube / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

A spokesperson from the centre has reiterated it does not believe the ship or those on board are in any danger.

“I don't think there is any danger to the ship now. If the captain thought so, he would have asked to be evacuated which he hasn't,” the spokesperson said.

The North Sea is infamous for its strong and harsh storms and on Thursday the vessel experienced hurricane-force gusts blowing from the northwest that were forecast to continue on Friday.

A spokesperson for HX has since told UNILAD: "Yesterday afternoon, December 21, MS Maud reported a temporary loss of power after encountering a rogue wave. The ship was sailing towards Tilbury, UK from Florø, Norway when the incident occurred.

"At this time, the ship has confirmed that no serious guest or crew injuries have been sustained as a result of the incident. The condition of the ship remains stable and the crew are able to sail under their own power.

"Following ongoing safety checks and technical assessments, given the weather conditions, we decided to amend the planned sailing route. Across the fleet, there are thorough operational protocols in place and we always prioritise the safety of those onboard. The ship is currently sailing to Bremerhaven, Germany for disembarkation. Our team are working to arrange onward travel back home for guests onboard.”

UNILAD has contacted The Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre for further updates.