A Scenic Morning in Ketchikan Turns Alarming
On the morning of 26th June 2025, a picturesque day in Ketchikan, Alaska, took a dramatic turn. A school bus carrying 46 cruise passengers collided with an SUV on Tongass Highway. This unfortunate event disrupted a planned shore excursion and resulted in three individuals being hospitalised.
Emergency Response and Passenger Safety
The accident occurred shortly after 9 am, as passengers were likely heading to a morning tour from the bustling Ketchikan Cruise Port. The SUV hit a power pole after the collision, causing the bus to veer into a roadside ditch. Emergency responders from the Ketchikan Fire Department swiftly arrived to manage the situation. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, and most passengers escaped serious injury.
After on-site medical evaluations, 44 passengers were cleared and returned to their ship via a replacement bus. The city’s official statement confirmed that all passengers and drivers were examined by EMTs and paramedics. Photos from the scene show the SUV’s front end severely damaged and the bus lodged off the road, illustrating the crash’s impact.
Cruise Ships in Port During the Incident
At the time of the accident, Ketchikan was bustling with cruise activity. Although officials did not specify which ship the affected passengers were from, several vessels were docked that morning. These included the Royal Princess from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Bliss from Norwegian Cruise Line, and Eurodam from Holland America Line. Later arrivals, such as Sapphire Princess and Koningsdam, docked after the incident.
A History of Tour Bus Incidents in Alaska
This incident is reminiscent of a previous accident on 6th September 2024. A tour bus carrying 24 cruise passengers overturned on the South Klondike Highway near Skagway after the driver experienced a medical emergency. That crash, in a remote area without cell service, resulted in 12 injuries and required assistance from passing tour buses before emergency services could arrive.
Despite these rare occurrences, the vast majority of cruise excursions in Alaska proceed without incident. Thousands of organised tours take place each year, offering guests unforgettable experiences in the Last Frontier.
Explore Safe and Exciting Cruise Excursions
While incidents like these are concerning, they are rare. Cruise excursions remain a popular and safe way to explore Alaska’s stunning landscapes. With thousands of options available, guests can enjoy memorable adventures with peace of mind.
Save up to 40% on Cruise Excursions! Choose from over 4,000 excursions with a return-to-ship guarantee.
Leave a Reply