Ship Collision / Allision on Britannia on 27th August 2023

On 27 August 2023, the cruise ship Britannia broke its mooring lines due to severe weather conditions while berthed in Port Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The vessel drifted within the harbor and collided with the cargo ship Castillo de Arteaga. Both vessels sustained minor damage and remained seaworthy; however, the incident resulted in passenger injuries and operational disruptions.

The incident occurred during a 14-day Mediterranean cruise itinerary. Following inspection, damage to one lifeboat led to the disembarkation of 321 passengers, who were subsequently flown home. The scheduled stop at Gibraltar was cancelled and the vessel remained in Palma until 28 August.

At approximately 10:00 am UTC on 27 August, severe weather conditions—including torrential rain and wind gusts up to 120 km/h—caused the Britannia to break its mooring lines while berthed in Port Palma de Mallorca. The vessel drifted within the harbor and collided with the nearby cargo ship Castillo de Arteaga. Minor hull damage was sustained primarily on deck 5. The Britannia came close to striking the harbor breakwater but avoided contact with the rocks. Several passengers were treated for minor injuries at the ship's infirmary during and after the incident.

Disembarked

• 321 passengers disembarked following lifeboat damage assessment and were flown home.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• Several passengers treated for minor injuries at the ship's infirmary.

Rescued

• All passengers and crew accounted for; 321 passengers disembarked and repatriated.

Both the Britannia and the cargo ship Castillo de Arteaga sustained minor damage and remained seaworthy. The Britannia remained in Port Palma de Mallorca until 28 August for inspection and assessment. The scheduled stop at Gibraltar was cancelled. A third-party inspection identified damage to one lifeboat, prompting the disembarkation and repatriation of 321 passengers.