8 Sep 2010

CCTV captures P&O liner caught in storm

Dramatic CCTV footage emerges of people and furniture being thrown around inside a P&O cruise liner as the ship is caught in a severe storm off the coast of New Zealand.

The ship’s internal CCTV captured the moments the P&O cruise ship was caught in a storm and listed violently as it hit severe waves.

At least 42 people were injured when the Australian Pacific Sun – which P&O describe as its “shining light” – hit the storm about 400 miles off the coast of New Zealand.

The footage, which emerged on the internet, shows furniture being thrown from side to side as people struggle to cling to a firm footing.

A number of people can be seen sliding across the floor while others hit pillars inside the ship.

Among the injuries were a fractured pelvis, fractured wrist, with most suffering cuts and bruises.

The Pacific Sun was returning to Auckland from the Vanuatu islands after an eight-night cruise when it hit the storm in July 2008.

Passengers aboard the ship were offered a 25 per cent reduction in the cost of a future trip.

P&O have reportedly implemented recommendations following the incident including securing furnishings and providing bridge staff with night-vision binoculars.
Watch the video here.