One passenger on British cruise ship Marco Polo was killed Friday in what many are calling a freak accident.
“Rushing water shattered a window onboard, injuring several of the ship’s 755 passengers. Two had to be airlifted off the ship to nearby hospitals where one, an 85-year-old man, was later pronounced dead.” (Via ABC)
“The 85-year-old had just sat down for lunch. Another passenger told Channel 4 News waves were so high, they were coming up to the windows.” (Via Channel 4)
The 22,000 ton cruise ship was struck by the massive wave while on it’s way back to the U.K. from a 42-day trip. (Via BBC)
One passenger on board described the scene saying, “Waves were peaking nearly parallel to the windows. Furniture in the restaurant was beginning to shift, so people were holding on to tables and chairs.” (Via Channel 4)
The company, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, tweeted about the incident writing, “Our thoughts are with the family of the passenger who has sadly died.” (Via Twitter / @CMVoyages)
New York Daily News reports the man’s cause of death hasn’t been determined yet. The other passenger taken to the hospital was a woman in her 70s.
