The cruise ship Explorer of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean, overcame an emergency following a violent storm that left several passengers and crew members injured, though none seriously, according to witness reports on board.
The incident occurred in the middle of the Atlantic crossing when an "unexpected wave" struck the ship, causing extensive damage and a severe tilt that created moments of panic among the passengers, whose final destination is the city of Miami.
The vessel, which departed from Barcelona on November 2 and made a stop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the 6th, had to change its course and slow down in an attempt to avoid the powerful storm that was battering the area.
After the wave hit, the cruise captain ordered the passengers to return to their cabins, activating the onboard safety protocol while the crew worked to restore normalcy.
Some witnesses claim that the ship took between five and ten minutes to regain its stability after leaning to port, a critical maneuver that created tension among the occupants.
They are scheduled to arrive at the Port of Miami on November 14, but the Explorer of the Seas will make an unscheduled stop in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to tend to the injured and assess the damage sustained to the ship's structure.
The decision to stop was made by the captain after assessing the severity of the incident and in order to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew.
The incident has caused great concern among the families of the passengers, who are awaiting news about the condition of their loved ones and the stability of the cruise ship, which still has to face the challenges of crossing the ocean before reaching Miami.
A few days ago, the cruise line Royal Caribbean adjusted the itineraries of four of its vessels in the Caribbean to avoid encountering Hurricane Rafael.
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