Passengers aboard the Costa Favolosa experienced an unexpectedly rough night at sea on February 18, when the cruise ship encountered strong winds and heavy swells off the coast of southern Brazil.
The incident has drawn attention in recent days after passengers shared videos online showing the ship rolling during an extratropical cyclone that affected southern Brazil and the Río de la Plata region. According to regional weather reports, wind gusts exceeded 100 km/h (about 62 mph), creating challenging conditions across the South Atlantic.
While situations like this are not uncommon in open waters, the intensity of the storm caught some passengers by surprise.
Sudden Shift in Conditions
Earlier in the evening, weather conditions appeared typical for the region, though some passengers noticed lightning in the distance and stronger-than-usual winds. Around 11 p.m., the ship began to list more noticeably as it moved through rough seas.
Passengers described needing to steady themselves in hallways and public areas as the vessel tilted. In restaurants and buffet areas, plates and glasses slid and fell from tables.
Scenes Captured on Video
Safety Protocols
Costa Cruises later stated that all appropriate protocols were followed and that the vessel’s structural stability was not compromised at any point. Once the storm system moved through the area and conditions improved, the ship was able to continue its scheduled itinerary.
