CATANIA, Italy – Powerful winds caused a cruise ship passenger to fall overboard while the vessel was docked in Italy last Friday.
According to a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line to FOX Weather, the incident occurred as strong winds caused the Norwegian Epic to break free from its moorings in Catania, Sicily.
“Unfortunately, one guest who was in the process of disembarking fell from the gangway into the water,” the statement read.
Crew members responded immediately and rescued the passenger, who sustained only minor injuries. The individual was transported to a hospital for evaluation but returned to the ship later the same day, the company confirmed.
Passenger Brian Koning described the moment on social media, writing, “All ropes snapped with loud bangs,” as the 1,080-foot cruise liner was blown away from the dock.
The FOX Forecast Center reported wind gusts exceeding 30 mph at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport around the time of the incident.
The Norwegian Epic, which was built in 2010 and refurbished earlier this year, has a guest capacity of 4,070, according to the cruise line’s website.
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