The cruise ship Carnival Sunshine recently encountered a treacherous storm on its way back to Charleston, leaving passengers and crew members in fear and uncertainty. As the ship battled turbulent waves and powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 70 mph, the vessel's interior and guests' areas suffered damage. Although no injuries were reported, the incident was a distressing experience for all involved during this intense storm.
Carnival Sunshine found itself amidst a formidable storm as it made its way to its homeport in Charleston. Frightened passengers were confined to their cabins overnight, with belongings scattered and waves crashing against the ship. Crew members aboard shared that it was the most severe storm they had ever experienced. Enormous waves relentlessly battered the mooring deck, causing substantial damage to the ship's interior.
In response to the conditions, crew members from Deck 0-4 were evacuated to the theater and any available resting spaces for the night. Our source said some guests even sought refuge in the theater while wearing life jackets. The crew bar was destroyed, and crew cabins and corridors were flooded. Even though no injuries were reported among the crew, they were understandably shaken by the extensive damage inflicted by the storm, saying that this was the most frightening experience.
The aftermath aboard Carnival Sunshine after a severe storm.
— Crew Center (@CrewCenter) May 28, 2023
The crew from Deck 0-4 evacuated to the theater, and anywhere they could rest… the crew bar destroyed. pic.twitter.com/MqsDJYvrSG
The storm's impact extended beyond the crew areas, wreaking havoc on guest spaces. Flooded hallways and staterooms were observed on Deck 2, and leaks were discovered through walls and ceilings. The ship endured the brunt of this non-tropical low with powerful winds and towering swells.
Concerns and Criticisms
Amidst the chaos, crew members expressed frustration and fear due to inadequate accommodations and showers. Many shipboard personnel could not return to their assigned cabins, further exacerbating their challenges. Passengers on social media also criticized Carnival Cruise Line for allowing new guests to board the vessel despite being aware of the ship unpreparedness for a new voyage. However, they also commended the crew for their professionalism in handling the incident.
After the incident, concerns revolve around how the crew members will fulfill their duties without suitable accommodations. In addition to their regular responsibilities, they now face the daunting task of cleaning up the storm's aftermath. The crew's resilience and determination will be put to the test as they strive to restore normalcy aboard the Carnival Sunshine.
Addressing the concerns, Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador, John Heald, reassured the public that the ship was never in danger during the storm. He emphasized that the captain made decisions prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. In such weather conditions, where storms may span across large distances, avoiding them entirely becomes a challenging endeavor.
The harrowing encounter between the Carnival Sunshine and a violent storm will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of both passengers and crew members.
