Cruise Turmoil: Passengers Hurt After 115 mph Winds Slam Norwegian Escape
A terrifying experience unfolded at sea when the Norwegian Escape cruise ship was struck by an intense wind gust exceeding 115 mph, causing the vessel to suddenly tilt and leaving multiple passengers and crew injured. The incident occurred as the ship was sailing from New York City to Port Canaveral, Florida, encountering unexpected and severe weather conditions northeast of the Delmarva Peninsula.
According to passengers on board, the sudden force of the wind rocked the massive cruise liner, sending unsecured furniture, glass, and personal items crashing across cabins and common areas. “It felt like the entire ship was tipping over,” one passenger recounted. “People were screaming, and things were flying everywhere.
The ship, which holds over 4,000 guests, quickly activated emergency protocols. Medical teams were dispatched throughout the ship to attend to those injured. While the exact number of injuries has not been released, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that all injuries were non-life-threatening and that medical care was provided onboard and upon docking.
Despite the chaos, the ship sustained no major damage and was able to continue its journey. It safely arrived at Port Canaveral the following day, where local emergency services were standing by to provide additional assistance to those in need.
Meteorologists linked the incident to a powerful weather system that had already swept across parts of the United States, spawning tornadoes in the South and intense winds along the East Coast. These same winds unexpectedly battered the cruise ship while it was in open water.
Many guests praised the ship’s crew for their calm and efficient response. “The captain was quick to inform everyone of what happened, and the staff did everything they could to help,” said another passenger. “It was scary, but they really handled it well.
The Norwegian Escape, launched in 2015, is among the largest vessels in the fleet, known for its luxurious amenities and modern design. This event, however, is a stark reminder that even the most advanced cruise ships are not immune to nature’s power.
Norwegian Cruise Line emphasized its ongoing commitment to safety and stated that weather monitoring procedures are being reviewed to ensure such surprises can be better anticipated in the future.
