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Struck by a 75-knot wind gust: 16 passengers injured at cruiseship

Updated: Mar 17

On February 25, 2025, the Crown Princess cruise ship encountered severe weather near Milford Sound, New Zealand, resulting in injuries to 16 individuals.
Crown Princess cruise ship tilts in rough waters near New Zealand, injuring 16 passengers and crew. Photo (Sydney February 2): Toby Zerna Media, Flickr CC BY/SA 2.0
Crown Princess cruise ship tilts in rough waters near New Zealand, injuring 16 passengers and crew. Photo (Sydney February 2): Toby Zerna Media, Flickr CC BY/SA 2.0

The vessel, on a 14-day voyage from Sydney, Australia, was according to 9 News struck by a sudden 75-knot (approximately 86 mph) wind gust, causing it to list dramatically by 14 degrees.


The unexpected tilt led to chaotic scenes onboard. Footage from the incident shows furniture, kitchen equipment, and other items being violently thrown about. Pools overflowed, and passengers struggled to maintain their balance. Among the injured were 13 passengers and three crew members, all sustaining minor injuries.


Remained intact

Despite the alarming situation, the ship's integrity remained intact. Princess Cruises confirmed that there was no structural damage and that the safety of the vessel was never compromised. Crew members promptly addressed the aftermath, cleaning and reopening affected areas to ensure passenger comfort for the remainder of the journey.


Continued the itinerary

The Crown Princess, a Crown-class cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, has a capacity of approximately 3,080 passengers and 1,200 crew members. The ship continued its scheduled itinerary and is expected to return to Sydney on March 8, 2025.


This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Passengers are advised to remain vigilant and follow crew instructions, especially during adverse weather conditions.


Crown Princess - Ship Facts

  • Owner: Carnival Corporation & plc

  • Operator: Princess Cruises

  • Class: Crown-class cruise ship

  • Year Built: 2006

  • Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy

  • Gross Tonnage: 113,561 GT

  • Length: 290 meters (951 feet)

  • Beam (Width): 36 meters (118 feet)

  • Draft: 8 meters (26 feet)

  • Passenger Capacity: Approximately 3,080

  • Crew Capacity: Around 1,200

  • Speed: 22 knots (41 km/h, 25 mph)

  • Decks: 19 (15 accessible to passengers)

  • Homeport: Various, depending on seasonal deployments


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