Spirit of Adventure stranded in remote port by cyclone

John · 03-05-2007, 06:48 PM

An Indian Ocean cyclone has forced the Spirit of Adventure to limp to an isolated island were elderly passengers were trapped for 5 days..

The cruise ship was carrying 250 British passengers as it suffered mechanical damage as it sailed through Cyclone Gamede.

There were only minor injuries among the passengers, all of who were over 50 years old.

The Captain, Martin Breen, took the decision to abandon the cruise and headed to the nearest port which was Antsiranana, Northern Madagascar.

From there passengers were transported to the island capital where they got international flights home. As of yesterday 42 passengers were still in Madagascar waiting to fly home.

**Ally** · 03-09-2007, 10:32 AM

**Update**

Quote:

TWO retired teachers told this week how they thought they were going to die after a cyclone hit their cruise ship.

Peter Large, who taught at Hertford's Sele School, and wife Diana, who taught at St John the Baptist School in Great Amwell, spoke after flying home from a cruise from hell in the Indian Ocean.

The couple, from Datchworth, were with Broxbourne residents Shirley and Dennis Lacey on the Saga liner Spirit of Adventure when cyclone Gamede hit.

Peter described how 50-knot winds and 45ft swells buffeted the liner and said the porthole in their cabin was smashed by the force of the storm.

"It was terrifying," he said. "We were frightened for our lives. We were tossed around and could barely stand.

"Then the captain announced 'We have lost our steering at the moment' during the height of the cyclone.

"We thought we were going to die when the captain said things were getting dire."

The couple, both 65, were among 250 elderly passengers caught up in the nightmare last week. They dodged flying chairs and had to avoid a falling grand piano.

Diana said: "The cruise liner did try to avoid the cyclone by sailing north but it changed course and followed us.

"We feel as though they had not researched the whole trip sufficiently to take our cruise ship to the Indian Ocean during cyclone season.

"Everybody was frightened and worried, because the storm went on for so long."

After the storm abated, the ship lost steering as ropes becoming entangled in one of the propellers.

Peter said: "The damaged ship travelled very slowly to the under-developed port in Antisiranana.

"We were taken in DC4s to the airport in Antananarivo after three days of being stranded at the port. It was a disorganised shambles and plans changed every few hours."

The couple finally flew home on Sunday.

"They've offered us a partial refund and 50 per cent off another cruise, but we certainly do not feel up to another one with Saga Enterprises any time soon," said Peter.

There are a few reports similar to this in the UK press. However, I think it should be said that as with hurricanes, cyclones can't always be forecasted accurately...they are natural forces and thus cannot be steered out of the way, and not always avoided.

It is a shame the cruise was effectively cancelled by the weather, but that is...to me at least...one of the hazards of cruising, things don't always go according to plan.

ali · 03-16-2007, 07:25 PM

I was on the spirit of adventure during this cruise, and yes it was a bit of an adventure but I still enjoyed it. I was one of the 48 passangers who volentered to stay on the ship and sail to south africa to go into dry dock for repairs. I cannot belive the comments I have read, The Captain at all times kept us informed of what was happining, and I had every faith in the seamanship of the crew, at no time did I feel that I was indanger.
A few windows did get smashed but they were boarded up and made water tight, I have been in rougher seas crossing the bay of biscay.
I have rebooked to go to the carribean in october, This ship deserves another chance. (oh by the way not all passenges over 50)

**alphakitty** · 03-16-2007, 07:37 PM

Hi ali....Welcome to Cruising Talk.

Thanks for coming on and giving us a first hand account. I would think a "bit of an adventure" is an understatement. LOL