Marella Explorer 2: Incident Reported off the Coast of Madeira
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A cruise ship, the Marella Explorer 2, experienced an incident approximately 50 nautical miles south of Madeira, Portugal on November 26, 2023. Reports indicate the ship was en route back to the Canary Islands when a large wave caused notable damage to a public area on board, injuring several passengers and crew. While initial reports were unclear, authorities have confirmed the incident and are monitoring the situation.
What Happened on the Marella Explorer 2?
According to multiple news sources, a large wave breached a window in a public area of the Marella Explorer 2 on November 26th, causing damage and injuries. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67464999 The wave reportedly struck during rough weather conditions.
Early reports suggested the ship was listing, but TUI, the parent company of Marella Cruises, has stated this is inaccurate. The ship remained seaworthy and continued towards port.
Injuries and Response
At least 27 people were injured in the incident, with some requiring medical attention. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/nov/27/marella-explorer-2-cruise-ship-injured-madeira-wave TUI confirmed that the onboard medical team provided immediate care, and those with more serious injuries were treated by medical professionals upon arrival in Tenerife.
The Foreign, commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated they have not received requests for consular assistance related to the incident. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67464999
Ship Details and Itinerary
The Marella Explorer 2 is a Malta-registered cruise ship operated by Marella Cruises,a subsidiary of TUI Group. The ship can accommodate up to 1,814 passengers across 14 decks and 907 cabins. https://www.tui.co.uk/cruise/marella-cruises/ships/marella-explorer-2/
The vessel departed Tenerife on November 21, 2023, for a seven-day cruise around the Canary Islands and Madeira. The ship is currently docked in Tenerife, where passengers are disembarking. The next cruise has been cancelled.
Key Takeaways
* A large wave damaged the Marella Explorer 2 on November 26, 2023, approximately 50 nautical miles south of Madeira.
* At least 27 people were injured, some requiring medical attention.
* The ship remained seaworthy and continued to Tenerife.
* The next scheduled cruise has been cancelled.
* The FCDO has not received requests for consular assistance.
What’s Next?
TUI is conducting a full investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Passengers who were affected are being offered support and assistance. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.