Two cruise ships damaged in collision during storm
Cruise passengers onboard the Celebrity Constellation were forced to abandon the ship in La Spezia Italy after she broke free from her moorings during a gale and hit the Costa Magica.
Both ships sustained minor damage, according to Maritime Bulletin, before tug boats were able to bring Constellation back to the pier.
According to reports on social media, Constellation passengers were later told to leave their cabins and buses were arranged to take them on a five-hour transfer to Rome, while the Constellation remained in La Spezia.
A passenger complained of ‘organised chaos’ onboard and one tweeted: ‘communication is soooo incredibly bad, in particular for those who have to leave the ship early tomorrow. So bad!!!’
Much of Italy has been hit by heavy rain and gales over the past 24 hours, forcing commercial vessels to cancel some sailings.
Venice was also flooded yesterday when water levels rose more than five feet.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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