Cruise passenger falls into sea after ship separates from pier in Sicily
(NEXSTAR) – A cruise passenger attempting to disembark at a port in Sicily fell into the Ionian Sea on Friday after the ship separated from the pier during strong winds, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed.
The passenger, who was on the gangway when the incident occurred, was not seriously injured.
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'On duty crew members were able to immediately assist the guest from the water and see that they were evaluated by the medical team,' the spokesperson said. 'It was determined that they sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for further examination and treatment.'
The Norwegian Epic had departed from Civitavecchia, near Rome, on May 24 with planned stops at ports in Greece, Malta, Sicily, the western coast of Italy and France before returning to Civitavecchia on June 3. But after the incident, which occurred while docked in Catania, Sicily, passengers were delayed from disembarking and reembarking 'until weather conditions improved,' a spokesperson said.
Video shared to social media also appears to show two moorings coming loose during the gusty weather, violently striking the back of the ship. A spokesperson for the cruise line was unable to comment on the video.
NCL's spokesperson did not provide any additional statement on the passenger, nor whether they continued with the voyage after the incident.
'As always the safety of our guests and crew is our top priority,' the spokesperson said.
The Norwegian Epic was en route from Cannes, France, to Civitavecchia on Tuesday.
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