VIKING VELA

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Stay in Ålesund further extended

The 'Viking Vela' was still docked in Ålesund as of Jan 17, after a 3-day unscheduled visit to the city. The ship, which experienced severe weather and subsequent propulsion problems during its fourth-ever voyage, was expected to resume sailing on Jan 16 at 6 p.m. LT, but the captain announced additional delays due to ongoing adverse weather conditions in the North Atlantic with wind speeds up to 45 miles per hour. On Jan 17, gusts could reach speeds up to 61 miles per hour. Weather conditions were not expected to improve until the afternoon of Jan 18. There were reports of passenger injuries and disrupted furnishings following the ship’s encounter with 100-mile-per-hour winds and 35-foot swells that initially affected the ship. Setting off from London on Jan 10 for its first cruise in Norway, the ship was on a 12-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” itinerary and making its way to visit Narvik, Tromsö and Alta, when its journey was marred by severe weather. Despite growing concerns, other ships sailing in Norway were also cancelling calls, including the Hurtigruten expedition vessel, 'Kong Harald', which cancelled stops at multiple coastal towns and villages on Jan 16 and 17 due to the bad weather.

Ship's itinerary changed due to engine inspections

The 'Viling Vela' will remain in Ålesund until the evening of Jan 16. The ship will not continue the voyage towards northern Norway to see the Northern Lights, as the cruise was advertised with, but instead visit the Hardangerfjord and Aurlandsfjord as well as Bergen and Stavanger. The reason given was the inspection of the engines as well as the stormy weather conditions.

Cruise ship still in Ålesund

The 'Viking Vela' remained stationary in Ålesund as of Jan 15 following the problems with the propulsion. Passengers had got the impression that it was the stabilizer system that had failed amid rough seas and wind speeds of around 45 meters per second. The captain kept coming over the loudspeaker with updated information to make the passengers feel safe. The passengers were told to stay in their cabins and that the ship would turn around and head for Ålesund. They were only allowed to leave at 6.15 a.m. After turning 180 degrees, the ship was guided into the port of Ålesund by the Coastguard vessel 'Hopen' and several tugs. However, the ship iproceeded under its own power, without towing assistance, and docked at Stornespiren. The “Viking Vela” was actually supposed to be in Narvik on Jan 14, before continuing to Tromsø and Alta. There, the plan was to turn south again, before the cruise would have ended in Bergen on Jan 22. What happens next was still uncertain. Report with photo: https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/cruise-ship-viking-vela-has-steering-problem/71591/3