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2014 Passenger Ship Incidents

Cruise ship safety information for passengers. Know before you go!

Maritime incidents/accidents involving passenger injuries and/or fatalities are not a common occurrence considering the number of passenger ships sailing worldwide; It's unlikely you will experience any problems during your cruise.  Still, only a fool for a passenger would disregard the possible risks associated with a cruise vacation.

A comprehensive list of reported passenger ship incidents and accidents in 2013

Ship Prefix Index

ms Westerdam

June 28, 2014

A small fire broke out on the Westerdam last night after leaving Seattle. Holland America Line posted the following statement on their website:

"There has been a small fire in one of the boiler rooms onboard ms Westerdam as she sailed from Seattle earlier this evening which was quickly extinguished. All guests and crew are safe. Out of an abundance of caution and in coordination with the United States Coast Guard the ship has returned to Seattle. The ship is fully operational and there has been no impact on guest services. It is anticipated that the ship will depart again once the assessments are competed and continue her voyage to Alaska.

The 82,348-ton Westerdam was beginning a 7-day Alaska cruise that departed Saturday afternoon. The situation is being evaluated and more information will be provided as it becomes available. There are 2,086 guests and 798 crew onboard."

Note: The Westerdam was cleared by the US Coast Guard.

MV Sewol

Date: April  14, 2014
Ship: MV Sewol
Where: 1.7 miles off Gwanmae Island,;South Korea
Incident: The South Korean ferry capsized while carrying 476 people, mostly secondary students on a field trip. As of May 6, 2014, 264 are confirmed dead, and 38 people are still missing. Preliminary reports suggest the ferry made a sharp turn causing cargo to shift. Overloading and the lack of proper securing of the cargo are also being seen as direct causes The incident is still under investigation. 22 of 29 crew members survived - including the Captain.

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