Balmoral forced to take refuge

• Guest 641

  • Registered: 12 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 2,335
  14 December 2008     17:0410950
  #1       report
  After battling against massive waves and winds averaging 45 knots, the Fred Olsen cruise liner Balmoral had to lay off the South Downs last night, at one point she managed to make it into Dover Harbour but had to retire after one of the tugs masts was damaged.
  
  I felt sorry for the 1,250 passengers who had to spend another night in the tossing seas and also the 1500 passengers who were hoping to embark on their 7 day cruise yesterday. Just imagine all the missed connecting flights for passengers and crew . The 1500 passengers who had arrived yesterday were asked late last night to make their own arrangements for an overnight stay somewhere or return home and claim on their insurance.
  
  At least our very own Mayor Diane Smallwood didn't have to travel too far.
  
  The good news is that the ship managed to berth early this morning, I bet there are one or two extra passengers suffering from mal de mer this morning.
• Guest 660

  • Registered: 14 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 3,205
  14 December 2008     17:4510951
  #2       report
  My Dad was due to be on board as well,had to go home to Tonbridge the ship was already late because of a storm in the Bay of Biscay.
  If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
• Guest 653

  • Registered: 13 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 10,540
  15 December 2008     18:5910992
  #3       report
  Hope they don't have to drop off any good Ports as they've lost a day.
  
  No one's fault though - Act of God.
  
  
  
  
  
  Roger
• howard mcsweeney1

  • Location: Dover
  • Registered: 12 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 62,352
  15 December 2008     19:5811002
  #4       report
  when i saw the heading "balmoral takes refuge" from our own baz, i assumed that he was concerned for his staff at his weekend home.
• Guest 641

  • Registered: 12 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 2,335
  16 December 2008     15:1111041
  #5       report