Multiple news agencies, including CNN and ABCNews, have reported that there is a current evacuation of the Viking Sky, a vessel from Viking Ocean Cruises.
The ship has reportedly had “engine problems in bad weather,” creating a situation where passengers have needed to be taken off the ship via helicopters.
Reports say that earlier the ship had been able to anchor and had one engine running. A statement from the company now says the ship is “proceeding on its own power and a tugboat is on site.” It is currently off the coast of Norway and seas are said to have swells of 20+ feet. While the ship is relatively close to shore, the wild seas and winds are making rescue difficult.
In the meantime, there are said to be about 1,300 people on the ship, including about 900 passengers. According to the company, rescue helicopters have been evacuating people per the captain’s orders.
Weβre waiting for evacuation by helicopter #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/rqSYaWGi0k
β Alexus Sheppard π³οΈβπ (@alexus309) March 23, 2019
Still waiting for evacuation. #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/6EvcAjf5D2
β Alexus Sheppard π³οΈβπ (@alexus309) March 23, 2019
First pictures emerging from the #VikingSky rescue operation. pic.twitter.com/B5cwW7mO4K
β To-Travel-Is-To-Live (@ToTravelIsToLi1) March 23, 2019
Viking has made the following statement on its website:
“On March 23rd at 2:00 pm (Norwegian time) the Viking Sky experienced a loss of engine power off the coast of Norway near Molde. Our first priority was for the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and our crew, and in close cooperation with the Norwegian Coast Guard, the captain decided to evacuate all guests from the vessel by helicopter. The ship is proceeding on its own power and a tugboat is on site. The evacuation is proceeding with all necessary caution. If you have questions or concerns about any guests onboard please call this number for US/AU booked guests 1-888-889-8837, and for UK booked guests 07585 779 853 or 0208 780 7900.”
“The next sailing, Scandinavia & the Kiel Canal, which was scheduled to embark on March 27th has been cancelled, and guests and their travel agents have been contacted directly. We do not anticipate any additional cancellations at this time.”