KBTX in Texas reports that as Carnival’s Ecstasy cruise ship was returning to port in Galveston, the cruise ship listed heavily in order to avoid hitting a buoy which had come loose in the Gulf of Mexico.
Carnival claims that the buoy was mostly submerged and not detected by radar.
According to a passenger, "the ship was shuddering . . . that’s when all the dishes were coming out. It was a mess, it looked like a food fight and that’s when everybody jumped up screaming and running trying to get outside . . . we thought we were going over. We really thought the whole ship was going to be tipped over."
The listing was severe enough to cause water to pour out of the pool. Carnival reported some injuries due to the incident. The cruise line issued a statement stating:
Carnival sincerely apologizes for the distress and discomfort this occurrence has caused our guests. The safety, comfort and care of our guests and crew is our top priority."
The Ecstasy is expected to return to Galveston today.
Update:
According to USA TODAY’s Cruise Log, Carnival indicated that approximately 60 passengers were treated at the ship infirmary for injuries.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6uVn-gbT1m8%26hl%3Den_US%26fs%3D1%26rel%3D0
April 23, 2010 UPDATE: Did Carnival’s Ecstasy Cruise Ship Almost Hit A Sand Bar?
Credits: KBTX.com