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Storm, engine failure cause chaos on Norway cruise +Video

Sunday, 24 March 2019 6:32 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 24 March 2019 7:06 AM ]

The cruise ship Viking Sky is pictured on March 23, 2019 near the west coast of Norway at Hustadvika near Romsdal. (Photo by AFP)

Rescue helicopters evacuated dozens of people from a cruise ship which suffered engine failure in windy conditions off the west coast of Norway on Saturday.

The maritime rescue service said the Viking Sky, with 1,300 passengers and crew on board, had sent out a mayday signal as it had been drifting towards land.

Rescue teams with helicopters and boats were sent to evacuate the cruise ship under extremely difficult circumstances. The area is known for its rough, frigid waters. Wind was blowing at a speed of 38 knots, police told Norwegian newspaper VG.

Stranded passengers who were rescued by helicopters from the cruise ship Viking Sky are pictured on March 23, 2019 on the west coast of Norway near Romsdal. (Photo by AFP)

Video and photos from people on the ship showed it heaving, with chairs and other furniture dangerously rolling from side to side. Passengers were suited up in orange life vests but the waves broke some ship windows and cold water flowed over the feet of some passengers.

The ship belongs to Viking Ocean Cruises, part of the Viking Cruises group founded by Norwegian billionaire Torstein Hagen. According to the company website, its passenger capacity is 930.

(Source: Agencies)

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