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Introduction
Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas encountered unexpectedly severe weather conditions during its transatlantic voyage from Barcelona, Spain to Miami, Florida, on November 7, 2024. The storm caused disruptions onboard and resulted in a medical disembarkation.
Details of the Incident
While sailing near the Castilian coast, the ship experienced a sudden increase in wind speeds, gusting up to 86 mph. The intense winds caused items to fall from shelves, merchandise to topple in shops, and even overturned a table in the casino. Passengers were temporarily confined to their cabins as a safety precaution while the crew conducted accountability checks.
One passenger sustained injuries during the storm and required medical attention ashore. This prompted Explorer of the Seas to make an unscheduled stop in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, to facilitate the passenger’s disembarkation. Details about the passenger’s condition have not been released.
Operational Context
The ship later made a scheduled stop in Ponta Delgada, Azores, and is expected to arrive in Miami within two weeks, continuing its transatlantic journey after the weather-related delay. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of ocean voyages and the potential for severe weather disruptions.