Passenger Injuries (Adverse Weather) on Spirit of Discovery: Incident on 6 November 2023

On 6 November 2023, the cruise ship Spirit of Discovery, operated by Saga Cruises, encountered severe weather conditions while traversing Bay of Biscay. Gale-force winds and waves reaching 9 metres triggered an automatic propulsion safety system that caused an unplanned course change, resulting in injuries to approximately 100 passengers. Five passengers sustained more serious injuries and were offloaded at Portsmouth International Port in England for hospital treatment.

The vessel was operating the final leg of a 14-day Canary Island Quintet cruise departing from Portsmouth. Following the incident, Captain Darin Bowland elected to return to the UK ahead of schedule to avoid further exposure to the deteriorating weather system.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 PM (Ship's Board Time / 11:30 UTC) as the Spirit of Discovery navigated the challenging waters of Bay of Biscay. Adverse weather conditions—characterised by gale-force winds and towering waves—activated the vessel's propulsion safety system, which automatically altered the ship's course. This sudden maneuver resulted in approximately 100 passengers sustaining injuries of varying severity. The ship's medical staff provided immediate care onboard; five passengers with more significant injuries were treated in the ship's infirmary and later transferred to hospital upon arrival in England.

Passengers

• Approximately 1,000 passengers onboard at the time of the incident.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• Approximately 100 passengers sustained minor injuries during the incident.
• 5 passengers sustained more serious injuries requiring hospital treatment ashore.

Rescued

• All passengers remained aboard; 5 seriously injured passengers were offloaded at Portsmouth International Port and transported to local hospital via ambulance.

Upon the incident, the ship's medical staff provided immediate care to injured passengers in the onboard infirmary. Captain Darin Bowland made the decision to maintain the vessel's position for approximately 18 hours to allow the storm and gales to subside before proceeding. The Master subsequently elected to return to Portsmouth ahead of schedule rather than continue to the originally planned port of La Coruna in Spain, which had been closed due to inclement weather. This decision avoided exposing the vessel to further severe weather conditions.

The Spirit of Discovery arrived at Portsmouth International Port on Portsea Island, England, where the five seriously injured passengers were safely disembarked and transported to hospital. Saga Cruises confirmed that the affected passengers were provided immediate medical attention and were on their way home in calmer seas. The operator issued a statement expressing commitment to passenger safety and offering sincere apologies to those affected, acknowledging that the weather conditions were beyond their control.