Several British tourists sustained minor injuries after a British tourist vessel, P&O Britannia, collided with a cargo ship off the coast of Majorca, Spain, due to severe storms battering the island. According to Russian outlet Russia Today, Majorca and its neighboring Balearic Islands, Ibiza and Menorca, have been experiencing hurricane-force winds and torrential rainfall.
Weather warnings for high winds and waves were extended for the Balearic Islands and parts of Catalonia in northeastern Spain this Monday. Thousands of passengers on board the Southampton-based P&O Britannia encountered harsh weather around 11 am, causing the ship to break away from its moorings near the island’s coast and collide with a smaller vessel. The impact led to a gangway falling into the sea.
The captain informed the passengers after the incident that “there were no significant structural damages, although the fifth deck suffered minor damages.”
The P&O Britannia, which has a capacity of 6,647 passengers and 1,350 crew members, will remain docked in Palma pending a technical evaluation. The ship’s collision highlights the maritime risks associated with the turbulent weather conditions currently impacting the region. It also raises questions about the readiness and preparedness of cruise operators to handle such adverse conditions.
These Balearic Islands are known for their Mediterranean climate, offering a temperate weather window ideal for tourism. However, this incident, exacerbated by extreme weather patterns, could potentially have repercussions for the tourism industry in the area, which is already grappling with the challenges posed by climate change and its unpredictable effects.
The collision comes at a time when the cruise industry is already under scrutiny for its environmental impact and safety records, making the incident doubly impactful. The Majorca authorities and shipping companies will likely review their protocols to avoid similar episodes in the future.
The situation draws attention to the heightened need for updated weather tracking systems and stringent safety measures, especially in regions vulnerable to severe weather conditions. These improvements are not just essential for the safety of passengers but are also crucial in mitigating economic losses for a sector that is integral to the region’s economy.
