Cruise Gone Wrong: 10 Real Horror Stories and How to Avoid Them

6. Viking Sky's Near Disaster: Engine Failure and Rescue Operations

In 2019, the Viking Sky cruise ship narrowly avoided disaster when it suffered engine failure during a storm off the coast of Norway. The ship was left drifting toward rocky shores, prompting a dramatic rescue operation involving helicopters and lifeboats. This incident highlighted the importance of robust engineering and the challenges of emergency evacuations in adverse conditions. Cruise lines have since focused on enhancing engine reliability and refining evacuation procedures to ensure passenger safety. For travelers, understanding a ship's emergency protocols and participating in safety drills can provide crucial knowledge and confidence in the event of an emergency.