The ship was hit by unexpected hurricane winds and is headed back to Spain to drop off injured passengers.
A harrowing ordeal unfolded on November 7 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, as the ship was unexpectedly struck by hurricane-force winds. The intense gusts caused the vessel to list approximately 30 degrees, sparking panic among passengers and crew.
Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media Reports
Passengers took to social media to share their frightening experiences. Unsecured items fell, and the ship’s sudden tilt created moments of chaos. The captain’s swift response, slowing the ship and altering its course, helped stabilize the situation.
“All decks onboard were closed, and passengers were ordered back to their cabins so everyone on Explorer of the Seas could be accounted for,” a passenger recounted.
Injuries and Medical Attention
As of the latest reports, all passengers have been accounted for, although some injuries required medical attention. The severity of these injuries prompted the ship to change course and head towards the Canary Islands.
Change in Course and Revised Itinerary
According to CruiseMapper, Explorer of the Seas has reversed its direction. Originally scheduled to sail from Barcelona to Miami (November 2-14), the ship will now make an unscheduled stop in the Canary Islands to:
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Drop off injured passengers
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Refuel
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Restock supplies
The revised itinerary indicates an expected arrival in Miami on November 15, a day later than initially planned.
Passenger Accounts and Updates
Passengers have shared updates on social media:
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“On Explorer of the Seas and the ship was hit by some crazy wind and tilted on its side. Now the ship has turned around headed back towards Africa…”
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“Captain Frank just announced they turned back due to a medical emergency and they will refuel and get provisions in the Canary Islands.”
Royal Caribbean’s Official Statement
In response to inquiries, Royal Caribbean provided an official comment:
“During an unexpected wind gust near Tenerife, Spain, one of our sailings experienced sudden movement. One of our guests was injured and requires additional medical care, so the ship will make a call in Las Palmas, Spain for a medical disembarkation. We are communicating these changes directly with our guests.”
Return to Normalcy
Following a chaotic night, passengers reported that the ship returned to normal operations by morning. Crew members worked tirelessly to clean up and reset the vessel.
The dramatic events surrounding Explorer of the Seas serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel and the importance of swift action in emergency situations.
FAQs: Explorer of the Seas Hit by Hurricane-Force Winds
1: What happened to Explorer of the Seas on November 7?
A: The ship was hit by unexpected hurricane-force winds, causing it to list approximately 30 degrees.
A: The ship was hit by unexpected hurricane-force winds, causing it to list approximately 30 degrees.
2: Were there any injuries reported?
A: Yes, some passengers were injured and required medical attention.
A: Yes, some passengers were injured and required medical attention.
3: Did the ship change its course?
A: Yes, Explorer of the Seas reversed its direction and headed towards the Canary Islands.
A: Yes, Explorer of the Seas reversed its direction and headed towards the Canary Islands.
4: Why did the ship change course?
A: To drop off injured passengers, refuel, and restock supplies.
A: To drop off injured passengers, refuel, and restock supplies.
5: What was the original itinerary of the ship?
A: The ship left Barcelona on November 2 and was scheduled to dock in Miami on November 14.
A: The ship left Barcelona on November 2 and was scheduled to dock in Miami on November 14.
6: What is the revised arrival date in Miami?
A: November 15, a day later than initially planned.
A: November 15, a day later than initially planned.
7: How did the captain respond to the emergency?
A: The captain slowed the ship and altered its course to stabilize the situation.
A: The captain slowed the ship and altered its course to stabilize the situation.
8: Is everyone on board accounted for?
A: Yes, all passengers have been accounted for.
A: Yes, all passengers have been accounted for.
9: What is Royal Caribbean’s response to the incident?
A: The cruise line issued an official statement, confirming the incident and the change in course.
A: The cruise line issued an official statement, confirming the incident and the change in course.
10: Will passengers receive any compensation or assistance?
A: It is unclear at this time; however, Royal Caribbean is communicating directly with passengers.
A: It is unclear at this time; however, Royal Caribbean is communicating directly with passengers.
11: Has the ship returned to normal operations?
A: Yes, passengers reported that the ship returned to normal by morning after the incident.
A: Yes, passengers reported that the ship returned to normal by morning after the incident.
12: What is the current status of the injured passengers?
A: They will be disembarking in the Canary Islands for further medical attention.
A: They will be disembarking in the Canary Islands for further medical attention.