A cruise usually promises a relaxing and restful vacation on the water – but what hundreds of passengers and crew experienced aboard the “Viking Polaris” on Thursday seems like a nightmare. The ship was hit by a monster wave and shook the vehicle violently. One person was even killed in the accident and several were injured. Passengers on board said it felt like the ship had hit an iceberg.
A severe storm hit the ship en route to Ushuaia, Argentina, the Viking group said. In addition to the fatalities, four were injured. The ship was damaged in the process. Among other things, windows were smashed, according to a reporter from the AFP news agency.
Witness: “Felt like an iceberg”
A British couple on board reported the dramatic moment to US broadcaster WRAL. Shortly before, they would have admired the perfect view off the coast of Ushuaia, until the idyll turned into a nightmare. “Everything was fine until the rogue wave suddenly appeared. It was very shocking,” said Suzie Gooding. The force of the wave was enormous: “We wondered if we had hit an iceberg. And there are no icebergs here, but it felt like it.”
Height and speed make monster waves dangerous
The Viking cruise line called the phenomenon a “rogue wave”: the term describes an exceptionally high, unexpected and dangerous wave that can also occur individually. Due to their height and speed, they can cause enormous damage to even large ships and, in the worst case, even fall apart. The largest monster waves ever measured were more than 30 meters high. How exactly they arise is a mystery to researchers.
The “Viking Polaris” moored after the accident in Ushuaia – the port is located about 3200 kilometers south of the capital Buenos Aires.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
