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Introduction
Strong winds disrupted embarkation aboard Celebrity Equinox in Buenos Aires on December 22, 2025, when mooring lines failed and the vessel briefly drifted from the pier. The incident occurred during the early stages of boarding for a 14-night South America cruise, prompting an immediate halt to embarkation while the ship was brought back under control.
Details of the Incident
Mooring Failure and Vessel Movement:
- Winds in the port area strengthened to approximately 40 mph (65 km/h), placing additional strain on the mooring lines securing the 121,878-GT ship.
- One or more lines failed, allowing the bow to swing outward from the berth.
- During the movement, the ship’s port side made contact with the pier and an adjacent refuelling vessel, leaving a visible scrape on the hull.
Embarkation Disruption:
- Boarding operations were immediately suspended for safety.
- A gangway detached from the dock and fell into the water as the vessel moved away from the pier.
- Passengers were held ashore while the ship was re-secured and a replacement gangway installed.
Response and Safety Measures:
- Port tugboats were dispatched to stabilize and realign Celebrity Equinox alongside the berth.
- Ship and port teams conducted hull inspections and safety checks before resuming operations.
- No injuries were reported among passengers, crew, or port personnel.
Operational Impact:
- The vessel remained in port overnight to complete inspections and accommodate the delayed departure.
- The subsequent port call at Montevideo, Uruguay, was shortened as a result of the late sailing.
- Tracking data and passenger reports indicate that the remainder of the South America itinerary—including Patagonia and Cape Horn—continued as planned.
Context:
- Mooring line failures during high-wind events are a known, though uncommon, port-operations risk.
- The prompt response by tug crews and ship personnel limited damage and prevented more serious consequences.