I was on a cruise ship that collided with the tanker: ‘It was panic stops’

Travel

by Brock Steinberg

August 30, 2023 | 2:49 p.m

Passengers on the P&O cruise ship that collided with an oil tanker off the coast of Spain are sharing horror stories of going into hysteria – and one described it as ‘panic stations’.

Britannia has a capacity to carry 3,647 passengers and was “near capacity” on Sunday when a storm blew off the coast of Palma de Mallorca. High winds severed the $601.9 million ship’s berth and pushed it into the tanker.

An unidentified Welsh woman, who was on the ship with her partner and two children, Wells Online said that she was “crying her eyes out” amidst all the commotion.

“We were anchored for the night in Palma and the wind was so strong that our anchors were blown off and we collided with another ship,” she said.

Confused cruise-goers were initially told they could leave their cabins, the woman said, only to discover there were no activities available on the ship — and all the crew on board were wearing life jackets and preparing for an emergency.

“We were going through our phones in bed and we heard the big horn after the explosion. It was panic stations, I was screaming from my eyes.” “We went out to our balcony and saw the wreckage in the ocean and all the damage to the side of the boat and the lifeboat. “Everyone go to their assembly stations,” said the captain. “This is not a drill.”

She added that the passengers “soon started running, looking panicked.” Then they came again and said everyone should go back to their cabins. Still none the wiser. I can’t see how they will be able to set sail again after that.

Another family on board reported hearing a loud bang and seeing falling debris floating on the water before the captain advised them to stay in their cabins and warned them: “This is not a drill!”

Passenger Ricky Stubbs said he and his children were about to disembark when the accident occurred.

“We were at the stairs by the Sunset Tavern,” he said. he told the Guardian. “A thunderous crash came from the bar and the door swung open as people were running inside. Within seconds there were more crashes followed by chaos as people tried to escape from the onslaught of wind and rain.

“People were greeted by other guests and staff. It was clear that some had injuries from either falling or flying debris, and people were dazed.”

Another passenger, Mark Beckwith, told WalesOnline the captain did an “amazingly calm job” with the crew on board.

“It’s very calm and relaxed on the ship now, and we’re just re-docking to collect the passengers who were outside the ship for the duration of the accident,” he said.

The Britannia left Southampton on August 18 to sail to the Mediterranean, with stops in Cadiz and Ibiza, and was due to leave Mallorca on Sunday afternoon.

“On Sunday, August 27, P&O Cruises Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while in Palma de Mallorca. A few individuals sustained minor injuries and are being cared for by the onboard medical centre. A P&O Cruises spokesperson said in a statement: “ To allow our technical teams to make an assessment, Britannia will remain at her side in Palma de Mallorca tonight with a schedule of entertainment and activities on board.”