After losing all its engines on March 23, 2019, signalling a “Mayday” distress call, and anchoring off a lee shore in 6-to-8-meter waves and gale force conditions, several engines were working on March 24, 2019. The 749-foot cruise ship Viking Sky launched in 2017 is made its way to the closest port in Molde, Norway, approximately ten miles from its emergency anchorage next to a lee shore.
The ship has four diesel engines and two electrical engines. During part of the airlift, only one engine was operational to take pressure off the anchor and chain in the big seas. Over half of its 915 passengers were air lifted by CHC Helicopters and the Southern Norway rescue services (Hovedrningssentralen) on March 23 ,to March 24. MarineTraffic.com said the MV Viking Sky arrived in Molde, Norway at 16:12 local time (UTC+1), on Sunday, March 24, 2019. It should be able to disembark all the over 800 remaining passengers and crew.
Viking Ocean Cruises issued the following statement on March 24, 2019:
Viking Sky Update
We can confirm that as of 10am (Norwegian time) today March 24, the Viking Sky, is safely travelling to Molde under its own power. The ship is being accompanied by two offshore supply ships and one tug assist vessel. The evacuation of passengers has ended and there are currently 436 guests and 458 crew onboard.
The 479 passengers who were airlifted from the vessel are currently on shore and arrangements have been made to fly them home, with the first passengers leaving today. Currently we understand 20 people suffered injuries as a result of this incident, and they are all receiving care at the relevant medical centres in Norway, with some already having been discharged.
Throughout all of this, our first priority was for the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and our crew. We would like to thank the Norwegian Redningssentral and the Norwegian emergency services for their support and skill displayed in managing the situation in very challenging weather conditions. We would also like to thank the local residents who throughout the whole process have been extremely supportive and hospitable. If you have questions or concerns about any guests please call this number for US/AU booked guests 1-888-889-8837, and for UK booked guests 07585 779 853 or 0208 780 7900.
The next sailing, Scandinavia & the Kiel Canal, which was scheduled to embark on March 27th has been cancelled, and guests and their travel agents have been contacted directly. We do not anticipate any additional cancellations at this time.
SLOW BOAT SAILING 