Carnival passengers recount treacherous conditions after weathering severe storm

Table Of Content

• Video shows Carnival cruise ship in disarray after ‘horrific’ South Carolina storm
• Strengthening Passenger Education and Emergency Preparedness
• Carnival passengers recount treacherous conditions after weathering severe storm
• Carnival passengers recount ‘nightmare’ cruise as storm floods ship
• Water surges into rooms on Carnival cruise ship battered by waves off Charleston
• WLTX would like to send you push notifications about the latest news and weather.

Passengers aboard the Carnival Sunshine described shattered glass, water pouring into rooms and hallways, the ship pitching about and a lack of communication from cruise staff. Some passengers and crew members needed "minor assistance" from medical staff, a Carnival cruise spokesman told CBS News. These regulatory measures aim to establish a more robust framework for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members on board cruise ships. By holding cruise lines accountable and implementing necessary changes, regulatory bodies contribute to the overall improvement of safety standards in the industry.

Video shows Carnival cruise ship in disarray after ‘horrific’ South Carolina storm

He said Carnival Sunshine is now sailing on a five-day Bahamas cruise and will return to Charleston on Thursday. Reid Overcash said the crew did not communicate with passengers as the ship was stopped in the ocean during the storm. In the early hours of Saturday, Taylor said staff changed the television screens to tell passengers to stand by for an announcement.

Strengthening Passenger Education and Emergency Preparedness

The cruise line said it will cancel scheduled sailings on all other ships through July 30. Passengers who have had cruises canceled are eligible for a full refund or future cruise credit plus an onboard credit. CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's ship Carnival Sunshine recently experienced a dangerous storm while returning to Charleston SC, causing fear and uncertainty among passengers and crew. That day, Taylor said the captain made an announcement that the ship may arrive in Charleston later than scheduled due to adverse weather conditions. The captain said crew members "would do everything they could to minimize discomfort," Taylor said. Carnival Sunshine, which was headed from the Bahamas to South Carolina, arrived in Charleston behind schedule, according to the spokesman.

Carnival passengers recount treacherous conditions after weathering severe storm

Passengers and crew members were advised to stay in their cabins and secure any loose objects. Despite the tragic incidents, Carnival Splendor continues its cruising schedule. The next cruise, a 4-night journey to Tangalooma and Moreton Island, is set to embark on May 24, 2023. The tragedy unfolded on the Carnival cruise ship Carnival Splendor, a 113,300 gross ton vessel capable of hosting 3,012 passengers.

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The crew’s training and preparedness were put to the test as they worked diligently to keep everyone safe. The vessel was midway through a nine-day journey across the South Pacific, departing from Sydney, Australia, on May 15, 2023, and scheduled to return on May 24, 2023. The cruise itinerary included visits to Sydney, Noumea, Lifou, and Mystery Island. On May 9, Cruise Hive reported about a ship’s pilot who died while boarding the Diamond Princess. Carnival Cruise Line, the company operating the ship, issued a statement addressing the occurrence. Carnival Paradise is on a five-day Caribbean cruise that departed from Tampa on Saturday, according to CruiseMapper.

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For one couple, the start of their engagement and first cruise was described as a nightmare. Addressing these concerns, John Heald (CCL's Brand Ambassador) reassured the public that Carnival Sunshine was never in danger during the storm. He emphasized that the Captain prioritized the safety of passengers and crew when making decisions. In another post, he accused the cruise ship's management of putting passengers' lives in danger and said some crew members had been injured.

Carnival passengers recount ‘nightmare’ cruise as storm floods ship

Passenger education and awareness are also crucial in promoting a culture of safety on board cruise ships. Informing passengers about safety measures, emergency procedures, and the importance of following instructions can help reduce panic and improve overall response during a crisis. To ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers, a cruise ship can alter its course and circumvent the rough weather system. In stormy conditions, the crew can deploy the stabilizers, which will prevent the ship from rolling and bucking. The ship’s medical staff did help a “small number” of guests and crew members who needed minor assistance following the storm. Despite the significant damage and a delay in schedule, Carnival Sunshine embarked on its next five-day Bahama sailing on Saturday.

Water surges into rooms on Carnival cruise ship battered by waves off Charleston

These programs can include simulated scenarios, hands-on training, and regular drills to ensure that staff members are well-prepared to respond effectively in any situation. One of the crucial aspects that emerged from the incident was the need for enhanced weather monitoring and forecasting systems. Cruise ships operate in unpredictable environments, and accurate and timely weather information is vital for ensuring passenger safety.

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The industry’s response to the Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident demonstrates its dedication to learning from past mistakes and prioritizing passenger safety. Cruise lines are continually striving to ensure that incidents like this are minimized, if not completely avoided, in the future. Passengers reported scenes of chaos and confusion as the ship’s crew worked tirelessly to ensure their safety. Some praised the crew for their professionalism and quick thinking, while others expressed frustration at the lack of communication and organization during the crisis.

"We were no longer able to see where we were going, how fast we were going, what the wind speed was, or anything. We were blind to what was going on," he said. He said he's not going to let the frightening experience stop him from going on more cruises in the future. The spokesperson added that the Carnival Sunshine is now sailing on a five-day Bahamas cruise and will return to Charleston on Thursday.

Passenger Christa Seifert-alicea said they didn't receive communication for over 12 hours. To be in the middle of the ocean, in the middle of the night, with no information was the worst part, she said. Carnival cruisers said they were confused after several hours of no communication from crew members. RJ Whited posted a video on Facebook showing damage on the ship and the large waves hitting the vessel. At that point, the captain "turned the ship from sailing northwest toward Charleston to head north/northeast heading directly into the eye of the storm system," Taylor said. Passengers in public spaces reported bottles flying off shelves as the waves of more than 12 feet rocked the ship.

The storm system included hurricane force winds between miles per hour and 40-foot waves. Videos taken during the storm showed the ship listing heavily and taking on large amounts of water. Meteorological data and expert analysis can provide valuable insights into the strength of the storm, including wind speeds, wave heights, and rainfall amounts. By studying these factors, cruise lines can better determine whether it is safe to set sail or make necessary adjustments to their routes to avoid potentially dangerous weather conditions. The Carnival Sunshine’s crew swiftly activated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of passengers. They communicated with onshore rescue teams, providing updates on the ship’s location and conditions.

The Carnival Sunshine storm incident of 2023 was a harrowing experience for passengers and crew alike. It all began with the brewing storm that was forecasted days before the ship set sail. Weather experts had issued warnings about a developing tropical disturbance in the region. — A storm off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, battered a Carnival cruise ship for hours late Friday night before it docked, leaving passengers terrified. Several passengers, including Brenda Goodwin Sherbert, posted on social media about broken glass on the ship.

Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination. Effective oversight and regulation are essential in maintaining safety standards within the cruise industry. Regulators and industry stakeholders must work together to establish and enforce robust safety requirements. Cruise lines have also increased their collaboration with meteorological agencies to receive real-time weather updates and make informed decisions regarding itinerary changes or ship rerouting. Despite the challenging circumstances, many passengers also shared stories of camaraderie and support among fellow travelers, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of adversity. From reinforced hulls to stabilizers that counteract the motion of the ship, various measures are taken to enhance the ship’s stability and safety.

Video shows Carnival Sunshine cruise ship rocked by storm off East Coast - KHOU.com

Video shows Carnival Sunshine cruise ship rocked by storm off East Coast.

Posted: Mon, 29 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

"It's just one of them unlucky experiences that occurs once in a while," he said. "We were surrounded by lightning and the ship took a huge hit by a wave and sounded like it split in two," Tutrone tweeted. One traveler described being able to “smell people being sick walking down the halls,” the Daily Mail Reported. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. A safety culture goes beyond mere compliance with regulations; it involves instilling safety as a core value within an organization.

"Our cruise ship last night was literally sideways and slung everything in our room breaking, people in the hallways throwing up and sleeping on the stairs," Whited wrote in the post. Other passengers on the ship shared details of their ordeal on social media, with some complaining about a lack of communication from the ship's crew. The Carnival Sunshine was returning to Charleston following a week-long trip in the Bahamas when it got caught in wild weather and rough seas over the Memorial Day weekend.