Silversea Cruise Ship Collides With Container Vessel Off Vietnam

While in a blanket of deep fog, a luxury cruise liner collided with a container ship off Vietnam. The container vessel suffered some damage, including a massive hole, and cruise passengers were knocked off their feet. However, no injuries were reported.

The incident occurred on Friday when the Silver Shadow was an estimated five miles from the coast. Passengers relive only having about a five second warning to brace for the impact before they smashed full force into the side of the container ship.

The ships scraped against each other following the collision. Passenger witnesses confirm that the ship seemed to appear right in front of them out of nowhere due to the heavy fog. Afterwards, cruise passengers gathered some personal items and reconvened at their muster stations. Reportedly, the crew remained calm, despite the panic of the passengers. Within a few minutes, the captain announced that there was no impending danger.

The ship continued on schedule, anchoring in Ha Long Bay where passengers were able to gauge and view the damage to the luxury liner.

According to CNN, Silversea Cruises released an official statement saying that the Silver Shadow "was involved in a minor incident on March 16, 2012, at around 4:20 GMT as it was approaching the pilot station in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. There was contact between Silver Shadow and a local commercial vessel. Silver Shadow incurred limited minor dents and guests' safety was never compromised. The ship was fully operational and continued on its course to Ha Long Bay, where all shore tours operated normally." However, passengers have been debating that there was nothing minor about this collision.

A full investigation into the accident will be launched.