OSLO, March 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A cruise ship that got into trouble off the Norwegian coast has arrived at the port of Molde in Norway after the dramatic rescue of hundreds of people.
The Viking Sky lost power on Saturday and sent out a distress signal after it began drifting towards land.
Rescuers airlifted almost 500 of the 1,373 people on board from the ship in bad weather.
The Viking Sky’s engines were later restarted and evacuations were halted as it then made its way to Molde, accompanied by several tug boats.
Rescuers said they were ready to resume operations if the captain deemed it necessary.
The Viking Sky suffered engine failure on Saturday afternoon while en route to Stavanger from Tromso in a notoriously treacherous stretch of waters.
Five helicopters and several rescue ships were called in but poor weather meant the lifeboats were forced to turn back.
The authorities decided to launch airlifts rather than leave people on board and hundreds were hoisted to safety.
Among those rescued, 20 people suffered injuries. Most of the passengers are said to be British or US citizens, many of them elderly.
The cruise’s operator said 436 guests and 458 crew remained on board.
The Viking Sky is a Viking Ocean Cruises ship, which had its maiden voyage in 2017. — NNN-AGENCIES
