MSC Armonia, a 2001-built cruise ship owned by MSC Cruises, crashed into a dock in the port of Roatan in Honduras, on April 10, at 09.00 a.m., local time.
Videos of the incident that emerged on Youtube show the ship uncontrollably speeding into the port, damaging the dock in the impact.
The cause of the incident is unknown, however, initial reports indicate that the ship might have experienced a technical issue.
“While maneuvering alongside, for reasons that are currently still being duly investigated, the ship deviated from its course and grazed the end of the pier,” a spokesperson of MSC Cruises told World Maritime News.
According to the company statement, the crew of the ship and its guests are safe and sound. In addition, there was no impact on the environment.
“As to the ship, the damage was minor. The ship has also since been cleared by Honduran Port State Control authorities to continue its journey as soon as the necessary repairs are concluded. At the present time, ship personnel and external experts are still at work to complete such repairs,” the spokesperson said.
As informed, the cruise ship is expected to leave port at approximately 1 a.m. local time today, heading for Belize, in line with the original schedule.
MSC Armonia was enlarged and enhanced under MSC Cruises’ Renaissance Programme, which was carried out by Fincantieri in 2014.
The modification works on Armonia included the insertion of an entire pre-built mid-ship section, providing an addition of approximately 200 cabins, as well as new entertainment spaces and new technological enhancements.
The cruise ship is deployed on a 14-night cruise to the Caribbean out of Havana, Cuba.
World Maritime News Staff; Video Courtesy: Youtube/Roatan Fans