Norwegian cruise ship in distress; passengers evacuated by helicopter
- 5 years ago
A cruise ship off the coast of Norway sent out a distress call on Saturday, local time, due to engine problems in bad weather.
Now, in a risky operation, its 13-hundred passengers are being evacuated by helicopter.
According to Norwegian media reports, the cruise ship, called Viking Sky, was able to anchor off Norway's west coast so the evacuations could take place.
Five helicopters were sent to the Viking Sky, whose passengers were being lifted off the boat one by one in extremely strong winds.
The authorities say lifeboats could not be used because of the rough seas pushing the Viking Sky towards the rocky coast.
As of Saturday evening a hundred people had been rescued.
Now, in a risky operation, its 13-hundred passengers are being evacuated by helicopter.
According to Norwegian media reports, the cruise ship, called Viking Sky, was able to anchor off Norway's west coast so the evacuations could take place.
Five helicopters were sent to the Viking Sky, whose passengers were being lifted off the boat one by one in extremely strong winds.
The authorities say lifeboats could not be used because of the rough seas pushing the Viking Sky towards the rocky coast.
As of Saturday evening a hundred people had been rescued.