Hurtigruten's ship Maud (with volume 16151 GT-tons) is navigating cautiously towards Germany, facing challenges from damage incurred during a severe North Sea storm named Pia/Zoltan. The storm has caused significant havoc, claiming two lives in Holland and Belgium and leading to widespread flooding along the Dutch coast and the Elbe River in Hamburg. Unprecedentedly, all major flood control barriers in the Netherlands have been closed.
Hurtigruten Group, the owners of Maud, have confirmed the vessel's redirection to Bremerhaven, Germany. The 266 passengers and 131 crew members onboard are reported to be safe as the ship progresses at ~10 knots (11.5 mph). German media suggests that Maud, damaged mid-afternoon Thursday ~200 miles from the Danish coast while en route to the UK, is anticipated to reach Bremerhaven on Saturday or Sunday.
Assistance for Maud is being provided by two offshore support vessels from Esvagt. According to reports and social media posts from passengers, they were mustered and guided on donning survival suits after the waves shattered the bridge windows, causing an initial loss of power. Passengers mentioned being in survival suits and life jackets for nearly four hours. Although one engine was reportedly restarted, the ship has lost its navigational systems and radar.
Danish authorities confirmed initial unsuccessful attempts to establish a towline due to high seas. Passengers reported that a line was eventually set up, and an Esvagt vessel was assisting in turning the cruise ship when the towline parted. The captain of Maud initially deemed it too rough to attempt a new line, but later reports indicate the successful establishment of the tow.
For more ms Maud incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.