Cruise Ship Breaks Away from Moorings amid Massive Storm in Scotland

A massive storm dubbed Ali has caused Nautica cruise ship to detach from its moorings in Greenock, Scotland, and drift away from the dock on September 19, 2018.

It is not clear how many of the passengers and guests were on board the ship at the time of the incident as majority of them, over 500, were reported to be ashore.

“Nautica encountered extremely strong winds which resulted in the parting of mooring lines and the vessel being detached from the dock. All guests and crew onboard are safe and there were no injuries,” a spokesperson of Ocean Cruises told World Maritime News.

“Tugs have been called in to assist and the vessel is currently being held off of her berth. 478 guests and 26 crew are ashore and are being looked after by the shore operations teams until conditions are safe enough for the vessel to be returned to the passenger terminal.”

The 2000-built ship, which can accommodate over 800 guests, is halfway through its 12-day cruise around the UK and Ireland.

Ali, packing winds of 102mph, has claimed two lives, as it swept across the UK, causing power outages and travel chaos as roads got closed.

World Maritime News Staff