UPDATE:
Viking Ocean Cruises has just released another new statement which mentions the ship is now traveling safely to Molde accompanied by two offshore supply ships and one tug boat. There are 435 guests current still on the ship and 479 guests have been evacuated to land already. In total 20 people suffered injuries, read the full statement below:
We can confirm that as of 10am (Norwegian time) today March 24, the Viking Sky, is safely travelling to Molde under its own power. The ship is being accompanied by two offshore supply ships and one tug assist vessel. The evacuation of passengers has ended and there are currently 436 guests and 458 crew onboard.
The 479 passengers who were airlifted from the vessel are currently on shore and arrangements have been made to fly them home, with the first passengers leaving today. Currently we understand 20 people suffered injuries as a result of this incident, and they are all receiving care at the relevant medical centres in Norway, with some already having been discharged.
Throughout all of this, our first priority was for the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and our crew. We would like to thank the Norwegian Redningssentral and the Norwegian emergency services for their support and skill displayed in managing the situation in very challenging weather conditions. We would also like to thank the local residents who throughout the whole process have been extremely supportive and hospitable.
PREVIOUSLY:
Viking Sky which is operated by Viking Ocean cruises is suffering from major engine failure and as a result, lost power and became stranded off the Norwegian coast. The ship also put out a mayday call. New shocking video footage has been posted from onboard as the vessel was being hit with 38-knot winds and high waves.
Viking Sky Footage and Latest
As this is developing news the situation is constantly changing as the evacuation process of 1,300 guests continues. The Norwegian Coast Guard is involved in a major operation after the Viking ocean cruises lost engine power on Saturday, March 23.
You can read our post from yesterday when the news first broke of Viking Sky adrift off the Norwegian west coast in Hustadvika, Norway.
The cruise line has released an official statement:
On March 23rd at 2:00 pm (Norwegian time) the Viking Sky experienced a loss of engine power off the coast of Norway near Molde. Our first priority was for the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and our crew, and in close cooperation with the Norwegian Coast Guard, the captain decided to evacuate all guests from the vessel by helicopter. The ship is proceeding on its own power and a tugboat is on site. The evacuation is proceeding with all necessary caution. If you have questions or concerns about any guests onboard please call this number for US/AU booked guests 1-888-889-8837, and for UK booked guests 07585 779 853 or 0208 780 7900.
The next sailing, Scandinavia & the Kiel Canal, which was scheduled to embark on March 27th has been cancelled, and guests and their travel agents have been contacted directly. We do not anticipate any additional cancellations at this time.
So as stated, power has returned to the ship with tug boats on hand for assistance. Five helicopters are involved in the evacuation and according to reports so far 8 passengers have been injured. The ship now has three out of four engines working.
@lookner from Jean Littleton on the Viking Sky. pic.twitter.com/2cNkXMzcFi
— Amber31 (@Amberse77628181) March 23, 2019
New shocking video footage has been posted from onboard Viking Sky from Twitter user Alexus Sheppard who was on the ship.
Still waiting for evacuation. #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/6EvcAjf5D2
— Alexus Sheppard ?️? (@alexus309) March 23, 2019
The footage has already received over 4 million views and shows the ship listing from side to side. Parts of the roof also collapsed onto guests heads as crew members try their best to help but are also struggling from the heavy movement. Guests were waiting to be evacuated at the time. Around 400 people have so far been rescued.
We’re waiting for evacuation by helicopter #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/rqSYaWGi0k
— Alexus Sheppard ?️? (@alexus309) March 23, 2019
At the moment the Viking cruise ship is moving to port with the help of tug boats. Another bad weather system is moving in so it’s a race against time to get the ship safely away with people still onboard including crew members.
Battery dying and people sleeping everywhere. Probably my last tweet of the night. #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/ouzegYmHOD
— Alexus Sheppard ?️? (@alexus309) March 24, 2019
The cruise line has also stated that the next scheduled sailing from Amsterdam, Netherlands on March 27 has been canceled. The was originally set to sail a Scandinavia & the Kiel Canal cruise and guests booked on that sailing have already been contacted.
(Twitter)
At the same time, another cruise ship was also hit with engine power issues. A call to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas was canceled Saturday morning by Holland America Line after its newest cruise ship was adrift and had blackouts.
Main Image: Alexus Sheppard
