Structural and Technical Issues on Carnival Sunshine on 26 May 2023

On 26 May 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Bahamas time, the Carnival Sunshine encountered severe adverse weather conditions while returning from Half Moon Cay to Charleston, South Carolina. By 7:00 p.m., the storm had intensified with wind gusts reaching 80 mph (130 kph) and turbulent seas, causing significant structural and interior damage to the vessel. While only minor injuries were reported among passengers and crew, the ship sustained extensive flooding, damaged staterooms, and compromised public areas.

The vessel reduced speed from 11 knots to 5 knots and altered course toward the northeast as conditions deteriorated. All public areas were evacuated and sealed by approximately 8:00 p.m. The Carnival Sunshine returned to Charleston on 27 May at 8:00 a.m. local time but remained offshore for several hours pending safe harbour entry.

As the storm intensified, the master implemented emergency protocols, reducing cruising speed and altering course. By 8:00 p.m., all public areas had been closed off and evacuated as a precautionary measure. The vessel proceeded cautiously toward Charleston, arriving at the shipping channel entrance on 27 May at 8:00 a.m. but remaining offshore for several hours until sea conditions permitted safe entry to port. No emergency evacuation or rescue by external vessels was required.

Passengers

• Approximately 3,765 onboard at the time of the incident.

Crew

• Complement not specified in source; crew areas on lower decks (0–4) sustained the most significant damage.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• Minor injuries reported among some passengers and crew during the storm; specific numbers not disclosed.

Rescued

• All passengers and crew remained onboard; no external rescue required.

The vessel sustained extensive damage from the relentless pounding of the storm. Exterior damage included compromised outer decks. Interior damage encompassed flooded passenger staterooms and public hallways, leaking ceilings, damaged furniture, and broken glassware, dishes, and bottles. The Lobby suffered a broken chandelier, and the Fun Shops experienced overturned displays, racks, and spilled merchandise. Crew areas on lower decks (0–4) sustained the most severe damage, with significant flooding in crew cabins and corridors. The Crew Bar Lounge's walls and ceilings were substantially destroyed.

The weather system affecting the cruise ship was a non-tropical, low-pressure system centred approximately 150 miles (240 kilometres) south of Charleston. Although non-tropical in origin, the National Hurricane Center classified its wind patterns as cyclonic in nature. Wind gusts outside Charleston Harbour on 27 May at 10:00 a.m. local time ranged between 30–35 knots (35–40 mph / 55–65 kph). Heavy rain, strong winds, and high seas prevented the vessel from entering the harbour on schedule.

The Carnival Sunshine returned to Charleston on 27 May at 8:00 a.m. local time but remained offshore at the shipping channel entrance for several hours before conditions permitted safe entry to port. The next scheduled departure (27 May) was delayed by approximately 9 hours. Passengers on the subsequent voyage began embarking at 6:30 p.m. and the ship departed Charleston around midnight. As compensation for the delayed departure, all passengers received US$100 per cabin in onboard credit (OBC).