Shocking Moment Cruise Ship Tilts in Rough Waters Leaving 16 Injured as Chaos Unfolds

On Wednesday, 25 February, passengers and crew aboard the Crown Princess experienced frightening conditions when rough seas off New Zealand dramatically tilted the luxury cruise ship, injuring 16 people.

The Crown Princess, midway through a 14-day round-trip journey from Sydney, Australia, encountered fierce winds while changing course near Milford Sound. Harrowing footage from onboard shows the ship taking a stomach-turning lean, with kitchen staff running to safety as pots, pans, and trays of food were hurled across the floor.

Up on the deck, the pool overflowed, sending a wave across the ship as passengers in the buffet and dining rooms desperately clung to furniture to keep their balance. One passenger described the terrifying moment: “The tables and chairs slid across the dining room, and I saw a girl slide on her chair towards the pool.”

Another passenger who had been casually walking laps around the deck added, “Suddenly the ship tilted dramatically, and I had to grab onto something immediately to avoid falling.”

Chaos also erupted in the ship’s gift shops, where glass displays shattered and designer products, including perfume and skincare items, were thrown onto the floor in disarray. Passengers reported seeing shop staff frantically attempting to secure merchandise as the ship rocked.

Passenger Testimonies

Martin Wise, dining on the sixth floor at the time, described the experience to Stuff NZ: “I felt the boat starting to slant and tip. Then it leaned over quite a bit and started moving along at high speed, and we could see the sea looking very high out of the restaurant windows. Crashing could be heard around the area, and a huge crash from the kitchen. On a frightening scale, I’d put it at 8.5 to 10.”

Wise estimated the ordeal lasted around 40 seconds, during which the ship tilted at a startling 14-degree angle, triggered by winds reaching speeds of 75 knots. He emphasised this was unprecedented in his extensive cruising experience.

Frequency and Risks of Tilting Incidents

While undoubtedly alarming, tilting incidents on cruise ships are incredibly rare due to modern ship construction. Statistically, injuries from tilting occur on fewer than 0.01% of cruises, with significant injuries even rarer.

Last November, Explorer of the Seas experienced a similar incident, yet continued without major issue, highlighting how resilient modern cruise ships are.

Cruise Ship Stability Explained

Modern cruise ships utilise advanced design features to maintain stability, including displacement hull designs, ballast tanks, and low centres of gravity. Underwater stabilisers act as underwater wings, significantly reducing ship movement during rough conditions. Cruise ships are specifically engineered with heavy machinery and fuel positioned at the lower sections to enhance balance and buoyancy.

Cruise ship captains also employ sophisticated navigation technology to predict and avoid severe weather conditions. This combination of structural design and advanced technology ensures that cruising remains statistically one of the safest forms of travel.

Response from Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises confirmed that 13 passengers and three crew members sustained minor injuries. They assured passengers that the vessel remained structurally secure and safe, with crew quickly responding to stabilise the ship. A spokesperson stated, “We regret any distress caused and appreciate our guests’ understanding.” Despite the incident, Crown Princess continued its voyage without further disruption.

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