Bulletin: On the Stranded Cruise Ship off Norway

[UPDATED] 24 March 2019 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring the ongoing rescue operations for passengers of the cruise ship Viking Sky that got stranded in rough seas off Norway on Saturday.

The Philippine Embassy in Oslo, which is in touch with Viking Cruises and the Norwegian Rescue Center, reported that the ship’s 163 Filipino crew members are all safe and are helping evacuate passengers. There are no Filipino passengers on board the cruise liner.

Embassy Chargé 'd Affaires Mariel Algabre said she was told that passengers have praised the efficiency and helpfulness of the ship’s Filipino crew in the evacuation. Authorities said tug boats are currently trying to move the Viking Sky to shore as three of the ship's four engines are working. Reports monitored by the Department indicate that the ship has restarted and is moving at a slow pace.

The Viking Sky sent a distress signal Saturday after it encountered engine problems in bad weather. END