Home » Graeme Smith’s Parents Successfully Evacuated from Norway’s Stricken Cruise Liner

Graeme Smith’s Parents Successfully Evacuated from Norway’s Stricken Cruise Liner

Former South African Proteas captain Graeme Smith has tweeted that his parents have been successfully evacuated from the Viking Sky cruise liner off Norway’s west coast, after it was hit by a massive storm just after lunch. On Saturday afternoon, in a tweet that was published in newspapers around the world, Smith said: “My parents […]

By SAPeople
24-03-19 12:21
in Eish!

Former South African Proteas captain Graeme Smith has tweeted that his parents have been successfully evacuated from the Viking Sky cruise liner off Norway’s west coast, after it was hit by a massive storm just after lunch.

On Saturday afternoon, in a tweet that was published in newspapers around the world, Smith said: “My parents on board if anyone knows anything please message!”

After midnight, he posted another tweet saying: “Thanks everyone, parents airlifted off safe and being assessed. Thank you to cruise staff and rescue workers. Appreciate everyone’s support and messages. ??”

The luxury ship temporarily lost anchor and suffered engine failure amidst fierce winds on Saturday at around 14h00. One of the engines has reportedly been restarted and successful anchor has been made.

Videos by passengers (see below) show a door being blown in, furniture rolling around and parts of the ceiling collapsing.

Approximately 1,000 people (reports suggest everything from 900 to 1,373 passengers and crew) are currently being evacuated as rough seas, with waves of up to 8 metres high (according to the Norwegian Meteorological Institute), batter the boat.

Rescue helicopters are braving the winds throughout the night to save the passengers, with only about 10 to 15 people being able to be rescued at a time, an experience which in itself – with howling winds – is proving very scary for many.

One said: “The helicopter ride was scary. The wind was like a tornado.”

Another said that passengers “have to hang in the air under a helicopter and there’s a very, very strong wind.”

The Viking Sky had sent out a mayday signal on Saturday afternoon after the storm hit and it found itself drifting towards land.

Approximately eight people are reported to have been injured on the £300-million ship, according to the maritime rescue service.

Alexus Sheppard, who took the following videos, told the Sun Online she had been on board for nine days. She said: “The ship went dark for a few minutes and rolled dramatically. It’s still rocking and rolling… We’re about two miles from land but much closer to the rocks.”

https://twitter.com/alexus309/status/1109537029912711168

https://twitter.com/alexus309/status/1109530668290183172

Witnesses said the ship had been just minutes from disaster and hitting the rocks, when tragedy was averted by the one engine being started and anchor made.

Some boats that tried to reach the Viking Sky to aid with rescues had to turn back because of the frightening weather.

Apparently this stretch of water is infamous for its stormy weather and shallow water, and the government is considering constructing an ocean tunnel through a coastal mountain.

One passenger, Mary Reid, has tweeted a few hours ago: “Huge kudos to the crew who are doing an amazing job of keeping people calm and taking care of issues… I’d like to think the situation is controlled (but still very dangerous).”

A few minutes ago she added: “Still on board the #VikingSky – don’t have a lot of power in my phone but the passengers are doing well. We have been given food and water and the crew still is being amazing.”

UPDATE Sunday 11h00: Hundreds of passengers, including South African tourists, are still waiting to be evacuated. Approximately 400 people have been airlifted to safety so far. Three of the four engines have been restarted, and together with the help of tugboats, the ship is aiming for port. Evacuation by helicopter is continuing in the meantime. Mary Reid tweeted an hour ago: “Had the privilege of seeing a rescue operation from the inside and out thanks to the professionals in Norway who performed the airlift, the Red Cross and aid workers who met us with smiles and concern, and again for all of the people on the #VikingSky – especially the crew.”

UPDATE Sunday 12h00 (SA Time): Viking Sky has confirmed that it is safely travelling to Molde under its own power, accompanied by two offshore supply ships and one tug assist vessel. The evacuation of passengers has ended and there are currently 436 guests and 458 crew onboard. Viking Sky said: “The 479 passengers who were airlifted from the vessel are currently on shore and arrangements have been made to fly them home, with the first passengers leaving today. Currently we understand 20 people suffered injuries as a result of this incident, and they are all receiving care at the relevant medical centres in Norway, with some already having been discharged.”

https://twitter.com/RyanDFlynn11/status/1109572773255569408