Turbulent Airborne Episode Sends 11 Christmas Cruise Passengers to Hospital
Passengers on a UK-bound flight from Barbados experienced severe turbulence after their Christmas cruise, forcing an emergency diversion to Bermuda Although 11 passengers were hospitalized, their injuries were minor and they were later discharged
Experience the perfect festive break with a cruise around the sunny Caribbean, followed by a return flight to the cold and wet UK just in time for Christmas.
The 225 British passengers on the P&O Cruises Caribbean Fly-Cruise had their idyllic vacation turn into a nightmare when their chartered return flight encountered unexpected turbulence, resulting in some passengers being hospitalized and everyone's return home being delayed until after Christmas. These passengers had booked luxurious one or two-week cruises on the Arvia ship, which boasted four pools and 30 bars and restaurants, and was scheduled to visit popular Caribbean destinations such as Antigua, St. Lucia, and the Dominican Republic.
Everything went according to plan during the cruise, but the journey home for Christmas was not as smooth. The passengers were supposed to board a charter plane arranged by the cruise company to fly from Barbados to Manchester on December 23. However, shortly after takeoff, the plane encountered clear air turbulence, an unpredictable and terrifying experience for passengers. The unsettling event occurred two and a half hours into the flight while the Airbus 300-200, operated by Maleth Aero, was cruising at 38,000 feet.
The ship abruptly stopped in a storm, causing 100 cruise passengers to be injured. The plane was redirected to LF Wade Airport in Bermuda, and 11 passengers had to be hospitalized. However, a spokesperson for P&O Cruises reassured that all passengers were discharged on the same day. Fortunately, none of the 13 crew members were injured.
Christmas on the beach
However, their plan to return home in time for Christmas was once again foiled, as the flight was not rescheduled until December 26. As a result, the passengers were accommodated in Bermuda hotels, with all expenses covered by the cruise company.
The repatriation flight was due to take off on Tuesday afternoon, arriving back in the UK on the morning of Wednesday December 27.
The dream cruise had taken in locations including St. Lucia.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images
A spokesperson for the Bermuda government stated to local outlet Bernews that all the injuries from the Maleth Aero Flight 1975 were minor. The flight, en route from Barbados to Manchester, experienced severe turbulence at approximately 12:50 a.m., requiring an emergency landing at LF Wade International Airport.
The aircraft made a controlled landing on the island. Emergency Medical Technicians from the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) welcomed the aircraft to conduct initial passenger assessments and provide pre-hospital care.
"The aircraft will be grounded until a thorough inspection is done to ensure its safety and integrity."
Bermuda's Acting Minister of National Security, Owen Darrell, expressed gratitude for the rapid response of emergency services personnel in ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew.
According to a statement from a spokesperson for P&O Cruises, a flight from Barbados to Manchester was unexpectedly diverted to Bermuda on Sunday morning due to turbulence.
After considering all available flight options and taking into account airport operating times, we arranged for our guests to stay at hotels in Bermuda. Their return flight is now scheduled for 4 p.m. today [Tuesday].
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause after their holiday, and we have been working tirelessly with the airline and hotels to ensure our guests are well taken care of and able to get home as soon as possible.
They added that passengers were sent seven texts and five letters keeping them updated over the three-day period they were in Bermuda.
