In a tragic turn of events within the cruise industry, a crew member lost their life as a result of a distressing incident that occurred in the Ross area of the Highlands. The incident took place aboard Viking OCEAN's ship Viking Mars, and the individual, who was in their 40s, unfortunately, fell overboard. The event transpired at Saltburn Pier in Invergordon (Scotland) on a Friday morning.
Immediate and comprehensive responses were initiated to address the situation. The scene was attended by not only two ambulances but also a specialized trauma team and an air ambulance. Swift and efficient actions were taken to provide medical assistance to the crew member. They were expeditiously airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for medical attention.
Tragically, Viking Cruises issued a solemn confirmation on the subsequent Saturday that the crew member had succumbed to his injuries. The cruise line has been providing dedicated support to the grieving family during this challenging period.
A Viking's spokesperson expressed the company's deep sorrow in acknowledging the crew member's passing as a result of the incident in Scotland that occurred on August 18th. They emphasized their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of both their crew and guests. Viking's operational team is actively collaborating with local authorities to comprehensively understand the circumstances leading to this unfortunate occurrence.
It is noteworthy that the Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the incident, underscoring the importance of thorough investigation and regulatory oversight. The incident was also brought to the attention of Police Scotland, who reported that the incident had been reported to them around 11:00 a.m. on August 18th. Emergency services responded promptly, and the crew member was promptly transported by helicopter to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for immediate medical care.
In alignment with their commitment to providing optimal care, the Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched a well-equipped response team, including two ambulances, a trauma team, an air ambulance, and a critical care paramedic. The individual, in their 40s, was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for specialized medical attention.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of safety within the cruise industry, prompting a collective commitment to ongoing vigilance, investigation, and improvement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For more Viking Mars incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.