Whilst not particularly being a sinking cruise ship – this video does highlight one of the problems that can occur when travelling in rough seas. The cruise operator had hidden away this video for over two years before it was leaked out onto YouTube.
This particular incident happened onboard the P&O Cruises’ Pacific Sun. The ship ran into heavy strong weather in Mid 2008, underestimating the effects that the weather would have on the ship, the results were costly.
If you look at 47 seconds you can see a woman in the back of the room being launched into the pillar face first through the force of the boat rocking, then collapsing onto the floor and subsequently sliding off down the floor. You may also notice the speed at which the furniture starts to slide increases as the ship pitches and rolls. This video gives one an insight into how people get injured during such violent weather.
The cruise operator did not expect such a violent roll or they would have fastened the furniture to the deck. Smaller vessels, expecting more pitch and roll, are in the practice of bolting down everything that moves.
This is not an isolated incident by any means. In 2007, Holland America’s cruise ship MS Prinsendam, sailing in the Antarctic, was hit by two rogue waves causing severe damage to the upper decks. Luckily, no one lost their lives, although 40 people were taken to hospital, upon their arrival in Argentina. There are many such similar incidents, some reported, some not. The U.S Coast Guard has claimed that many lost aircraft, including helicopters,are believed to be victims of freak waves, mainly conducting air/sea search and rescue missions.