It seems like every week, another cruise ship makes an unexpected escape from the dock. Passengers are often left puzzled, wondering how these massive floating hotels manage to drift away so easily. To uncover the mystery, I spoke with a seasoned port pilot. Here’s what I discovered.
It’s Windier Than You Think
When cruise ships dock, they are secured with mooring lines. These ropes are arranged in a specific pattern to hold the ship in place. However, even with multiple lines, a sudden gust of wind can exert tremendous force. The pressure on the ship’s side increases dramatically with wind speed.
For instance, a gentle breeze at 8 knots can apply 21 tons of force on a large ship like the Icon of the Seas. A strong breeze at 25 knots can push with 128 tons, while a gale at 37 knots can exert a staggering 449 tons. The larger the ship, the more it becomes a target for the wind.
The Impact of Ship Size
The size of the ship plays a crucial role in how much pressure it faces. Larger ships like the Icon of the Seas experience more force compared to smaller vessels. For example, the Serenade of the Seas, which is 294 metres long, faces 13 tons of force in a gentle breeze, compared to the Icon’s 21 tons. As ships have grown in size, the forces they encounter have increased, making them more susceptible to wind.
Recent Scary Incidents
Several recent incidents highlight the challenges posed by wind. In Juneau, Alaska, the Celebrity Edge faced severe weather on 16 June 2025. Gusts of up to 60 mph snapped the mooring lines, causing the ship to drift into open water. The crew regained control, but not before alarming passengers.
Similarly, on 31 May 2025, the MSC Seascape encountered a sudden squall while docked at Ocean Cay in the Bahamas. The lines snapped, the gangway fell into the water, and a guest was injured. Fortunately, they received treatment onboard and continued their cruise.
In Catania, Italy, on 30 May 2025, strong winds freed the Norwegian Epic’s mooring lines, sending parts of the dock flying. Two passengers fell into the water when the gangway collapsed but were quickly rescued with minor injuries.
Lastly, the Westerdam broke loose in Ketchikan, Alaska, on 30 May 2025. Sudden 60-knot winds caused the ship to shift dramatically, and passengers captured the moment as the gangway plunged into the sea.
Conclusion
These incidents serve as a reminder of the power of nature and the challenges faced by cruise ships. While mooring lines are designed to hold ships securely, unexpected weather conditions can still pose a threat. Understanding these dynamics can help passengers appreciate the complexities of cruise travel and the efforts made to ensure their safety.
Leave a Reply