Cruise ship returns to UK after 100 passengers injured in 'extremely frightening' storm
A cruise ship has returned to the UK after around 100 passengers were injured when it got caught in a storm in the Bay of Biscay.
The Spirit of Discovery was nearing the end of a 14-night round trip to the Canary Islands when it was hit by severe weather on Saturday, including waves said to have been at least nine metres high.
Dozens of those on board were hurt when the ship's propulsion safety system was activated, causing the vessel to veer suddenly to the left and bringing it to an abrupt halt.
Around 100 of the 1,000 guests were hurt, although the "vast majority" suffered only minor injuries, according to operator Saga Cruises.
It said five of those on board needed treatment for more serious injuries.
Relatives of passengers took to social media, with one man writing on X, formerly known as Twitter: "My elderly parents on board the Saga Spirit of Discovery and have had a horrendous time in the storm, including getting flung to the floor in the dining room with tables and crockery falling on them. Many injured!"
Another added that their in-laws had a "horrendous journey".
There were claims some passengers had ended up in stretchers after plates and glasses went "flying".
The cruise ship was heading towards La Coruna in Spain at the time, although the port was forced to close because of the conditions.
It came after the crew cancelled a visit to Las Palmas earlier in the week as the weather worsened.
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Saga Cruises CEO Nigel Blanks described the storm as "extremely frightening" in a letter to passengers, according to The Portsmouth News.
Details of compensation for those on board will be made in the coming days, the newspaper added.
The ship arrived back in Portsmouth on Monday evening but Saga Cruises has not confirmed if any of those injured require further treatment back on land.
A spokeswoman said: "Spirit of Discovery was sadly caught in the challenging weather conditions this weekend, as she started her return to the UK.
"The ship remained safe at all times, but due to the impact of the storm some guests sustained injuries. All were treated immediately by onboard medical staff.
"While the weather is clearly beyond our control, we want to offer our sincere apologies to all those affected who are now safely back, having sailed home in calmer seas."
