Cruise ship Britannia (IMO 9614036) broke away from its moorings at Palma de Mallorca during the morning of August 27th in strong winds. The ship drifted across the port basin and came into contact with chemical/oil products Malta-flagged, 23,420 gt Castillo De Arteaga tanker Castillo De Arteaga (IMO 9871012). The Britannia was eventually brought under control by port tugs and taken to the outer port anchorage where at about noon local time it was anchored for several hours. Later that day it was returned to its mooring to enable passengers who had left the vessel for a day trip to return onboard.
The tanker also was moved to anchorage.
The Britannia is on a fortnight cruise, starting and finishing at Southampton and due back at the south of England port on September 1st.
Both cruise ship and tanker were reported to have sustained minor damages. Some minor injuries to passengers were reported on the cruise ship.
Passengers on the Britannia said that the vessel had been pushed to the shore by tugs while they remained confined to their cabins. A walkway fell away during the incident, although the captain of the ship told passengers there had been “no structural compromise”, but that deck five had sustained a small amount of damage. As of August 28th the vessel remained moored at Palma de Mallorca.
2015-built, UK-flagged, 143,730 gt Britannia is owned by Carnival Holdings Bermuda of Hamilton, Bermuda. It is managed by Carnival PLC of Southampton, UK. It is entered with Steamship Mutual and UK Club.
2019-built, Malta-flagged, 23,420 gt Castillo De Arteaga is owned by Iberian Tankers 2 Ltd care of manager Empresa Naviera Elcano (ENE) of Madrid, Spain. It is entered with Britannia on behalf of Iberian Tankers 2 Ltd. As of August 28th the vessel was at anchor off Palma De Mallorca.