Cruise Passenger Killed After Freak Wave Hits Ship

Published Feb 14, 2014 10:43 PM by The Maritime Executive

CNN reports that an elderly passenger aboard the British-based cruise ship Marco Polo died after the ship was hit by a freak wave on its way from the Azores in Portugal to Tilbury, England.

Another passenger has been airlifted ashore for medical treatment. The ship was carrying 735 passengers and 349 crew members. The shipowner, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, has not yet released the name and nationality of the passengers, nor details of any other injuries.

Apparently a large wave hit the side of the ship between 1 and 2pm local time on Friday. Windows in a restaurant broke. Passengers where then asked to go to their rooms. The vessel is due to arrive in Tilbury on Sunday.