Cruise ship passengers run for cover as storm sends deck furniture flying

26 June 2023 , 14:55

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Videos show passengers scrambling to protect their children after strong winds from an unexpected storm (Image: sbw-photo/ Royal Caribbean)

Passengers aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship experienced a terrifying ordeal when unexpectedly high winds swept through the vessel, causing deck furniture to become to fly in the air forcing them to scramble for safety.

Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scene as chairs and tables were propelled across the decks, while people in swimsuits clung to walls for stability.

One TikTok video showed a lounger narrowly missing a woman carrying a small child.

The incident occurred as the Independence of the Seas ship was about to depart from Port Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida, last week.

Passengers had been enjoying the sunny weather by the pool when strong winds and heavy rain suddenly descended upon them.

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Panicked passengers were seen hastily seeking shelter, sliding across slippery decks, and ducking to avoid flying chairs and umbrellas.

Despite the intensity of the flash storm, Royal Caribbean assured in a statement that no passengers suffered serious injuries.

However, some passengers took to TikTok to express their discontent, claiming that the cruise line had failed to provide any prior notification about the approaching storm.

One user, lucassparrow1110, posted a video captioned, "Just a fun evening leaving Port Canaveral this past Friday. No announcement from the captain before or after, also no mention of what happened. Just pretend like it didn't happen, I guess."

Cora Cornett, another passenger, described the sudden turn of events, stating, "We were on the top deck watching another boat in port get hit with rain when suddenly it DISAPPEARED in the rain, so we ran down to the next deck but it was already on us."

The cruise liner said no passengers were harmed (sbw-photo/ Royal Caribbean)

She further noted the absence of any ship announcements before or after the incident, expressing concern for those on the lower pool deck who were caught off guard.

Royal Caribbean responded to the incident, explaining, "On Friday, June 16, while departing from Port Canaveral, 'Independence of the Seas' encountered a sudden gust of high winds. This lasted for a brief period, and there were no serious injuries to our guests or crew."

The company confirmed that the ship continued its scheduled itinerary, arriving in the Bahamas as planned on Saturday.

Lucy Williamson