Storm ‘Ciaran’ sweeps across Europe and hits a cruise ship on its way to the Caribbean. The passengers experience a turbulent journey.
Munich – It is certainly not the ideal time for a sea trip. The guests on the “Mein Schiff 3” also discovered this. Some on social media reported a turbulent journey along the Atlantic coast of France and Spain. The majority of the approximately 2,500 cruise passengers were probably hoping for a vacation on the sun deck, but things turned out differently.
Storm Ciaran appeared over Europe in the middle of the week. On Thursday (November 2nd) the violent storm also reached Germany. Photos of meter-high waves crashing onto the coast and devastation on land illustrate the force with which the depression moved and sometimes still moves over Europe.
Hurricane “Ciaran” hits cruise ship – fortunately there were no injuries
The “Mein Schiff 3” had left Bremerhaven for the Caribbean just a few days earlier and was on its way to Tenerife when the hurricane hit and shook the huge TUI Cruises ship violently. According to the industry portal schiffe-und-kreuzfahrten.de, the waves were said to have been up to eight meters high when the ship started its first leg to the Spanish island.
“All outdoor areas have already been closed as a precaution,” reported a passenger on the “Mein Schiff 3” on the platform on Thursday (November 2nd) and added numerous photos and videos to his report. In another of his contributions he shows that the furniture in the on-board restaurant has been made storm-proof. Chairs and tables were wrapped in cling film and packed tightly. “The dishes and everything that wasn’t secured in some way flew around,” read other reports from passengers. “Even in bed you had to hold on tight to keep from falling out.”
However, the events inside could go ahead as planned. No one was injured, a spokeswoman for TUI Cruises confirmed IPPEN.MEDIA.
Large cruise ships offer more attack surface for storms – despite stabilizers
Ocean steamers are usually able to withstand high waves. This is because modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced stabilizers that ensure a high level of calm on board. However, cruise ships are more vulnerable to storms, according to the cruise newspaper. “Ships that have a large surface area above the water have more surface area for the wind to attack, while a greater draft ensures a smoother journey,” emphasizes the trade journal.
“Ciaran” reached peak values of up to 200 kilometers per hour in some areas and the highest wind force was 12, which also claimed lives in Germany. A route change, which is often carried out to avoid storms, was not feasible for the “Mein Schiff 3” in the Atlantic, according to schiffe-und-kreuzfahrten.de. This was also necessary in order not to jeopardize the schedule.
Hurricane season in the Caribbean – new turbulence cannot be ruled out
The storm only allowed the ship a reduced speed of 12 knots (approx. 22 km/h). The steamers usually travel at an average speed of 25 knots (46 km/h). The “Mein Schiff 3” adjusted its speed and then, after consultation with fleet management, apparently increased it significantly “in order to leave the storm region again before the strongest effects of the storm,” the company spokeswoman confirmed.
“It’s getting quieter,” wrote a “Mein Schiff” passenger on Thursday evening. The waves in the attached video are significantly smaller. But it cannot be ruled out that the passengers will find themselves in stormy seas again. July to November is hurricane season in the Caribbean.
A retired couple reported completely different problems on their cruise in the summer. They were left bitterly disappointed.
Machine assistance was used for this article written by the editorial team. The article was carefully checked by editor Maximilian Kettenbach before publication.
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