Eleven people are hospitalized due to "freak" turbulence while returning from a Christmas cruise.
"P&O Cruises' Caribbean Fly-Cruise Ends in Turbulence Nightmare for UK Passengers" many of the passengers sustained injuries
A much-anticipated festive cruise around the Caribbean took a distressing turn for 225 British passengers aboard P&O Cruises' Caribbean Fly-Cruise. The idyllic vacation, featuring a luxurious cruise on the Arvia ship, concluded with a chartered return flight encountering unexpected turbulence, leaving some passengers hospitalized and delaying the return home until after Christmas.
The Arvia ship, boasting four pools and 30 bars and restaurants, offered passengers a dreamy voyage to Caribbean destinations such as Antigua, St Lucia, and the Dominican Republic. While the cruise itself unfolded seamlessly, the return journey took an unexpected turn.
Passengers boarded a chartered plane organized by P&O Cruises on December 23, flying from Barbados to Manchester. Approximately two and a half hours into the flight, the Airbus 300-200, operated by Maleth Aero, experienced clear air turbulence at 38,000 feet. The plane diverted to LF Wade Airport in Bermuda, resulting in 11 passengers being hospitalized. P&O Cruises confirmed that all were discharged the same day, and none of the 13 crew members sustained injuries.
Despite the medical reassurance, the passengers' plans to return home for Christmas were thwarted, as the flight could not resume until December 26. P&O Cruises arranged accommodations for the affected passengers in Bermuda at the company's expense.
A Bermuda government spokesperson stated that all injuries were minor, and the aircraft would remain grounded until a comprehensive inspection ensured its safety. Bermuda's Acting Minister of National Security, Owen Darrell, expressed gratitude for the quick response of emergency services personnel.
The repatriation flight was scheduled to depart on Tuesday afternoon, with an anticipated arrival in the UK on the morning of Wednesday, December 27. P&O Cruises, in a statement to CNN, apologized for the disruption and explained the efforts made to ensure passengers' well-being and facilitate their return home. Passengers were kept informed through multiple updates via text messages and letters during the three-day stay in Bermuda.
