Crazy Viking Cruise Ship Evacuation Is Over

After nearly 500 airlifted in dangerous conditions, ship regains engine power, is towed to shore
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 24, 2019 8:33 AM CDT
Viking Cruise Ship Drama Is Over
Helicopters fly over the cruise ship Viking Sky after it sent out a Mayday signal because of engine failure in windy conditions off the west coast of Norway, Saturday, March 23, 2019.   (CHC helicopters via AP)

The Viking Ocean Cruises drama on the high seas is over: Rescuers airlifted 479 passengers from the Viking Sky after the behemoth cruise ship's engines stalled in high seas Saturday off the coast of Norway, reports CNN. With 436 passengers and 458 crew still remaining on the ship, it regained engine power Sunday morning and was towed to a nearby port, where the rest of those aboard were being evacuated. At least 17 people were hospitalized, notes the AP. Viking Ocean Cruises chairman Torstein Hagen called the circumstances "some of the worst I have been involved in, but now it looks like it's going well in the end and that we've been lucky." He continued: "I am very proud of our crew," who managed to anchor the stranded vessel as it came dangerously close to running aground. The ship's next sailing on Wednesday has been canceled. (More cruise ships stories.)

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