Why Cruise Ship Gangways Keep Falling Into The Water

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In just the past week, three big-name cruise ships – Norwegian Epic, Holland America’s Westerdam, and MSC Seascape – have had some very windy run-ins with their mooring lines.

Cruise ships breaking from moorings
Credits: Mara Markinson, Cruising Is Life, Anna and Joe’s Adventures

We’re talking about snapped ropes, gangways collapsing, and yes, even a few passengers getting sent into the water.

Scary stuff – should you be worried if you’re about to board a cruise?

What Happened? A Quick Look at the Incidents

1. Norwegian Epic – Blown Off in Sicily (May 30)

While docked in Catania, Italy, Norwegian Epic was hit by strong gusts (reportedly over 45 mph), which broke its mooring lines.

One poor guest was on the gangway when it gave way and ended up in the water. Their partner reportedly dived in to help them and also suffered minor injuries.

Thankfully, they were rescued quickly. Social media showed dramatic footage of lines snapping and the gangway swinging dangerously – definitely not your usual port stop.

2. Westerdam – Gangway Collapses in Alaska (May 30)

On the same day, Westerdam broke loose in Ketchikan, Alaska, when sudden winds (up to 60 knots!) caused the ship to shift.

The gangway collapsed, though no one was hurt, and the ship was quickly re-secured.

Passengers caught the moment on camera – videos show the gangway dangling before it plunges into the sea.

3. MSC Seascape – Trouble at Ocean Cay (May 31)

Just a day later, MSC Seascape ran into its own weather drama while docked at Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas.

A squall snapped the lines, the gangway dropped into the water, and a guest was injured while disembarking. They were treated onboard and re-joined the cruise shortly after.

Why Are These Incidents Happening More?

Here’s the nutshell version:

  • Wild Weather Swings: Sudden squalls and high winds are becoming more common and harder to predict.
  • Bigger Ships = Bigger Wind Targets: Today’s cruise ships are taller and wider, which means they catch more wind and put more strain on mooring lines.
  • Ports Not Keeping Up: Not every port has upgraded bollards or fender systems to handle these mega-ships, especially in regions like Alaska or small Caribbean islands.

Put it all together, and even a “routine” docking can turn into a bit of a mess if the weather turns.

Should Cruise Passengers Be Worried?

Short answer: not really – but do stay aware.

Cruise lines are still very safe overall. These incidents are serious, but they’re also rare when you consider how many ships are sailing every day without a hitch. But a few smart precautions can make a big difference.

What You Can Do:

  • Pay attention to weather updates from the crew or cruise app.
  • Hold on to railings when using the gangway – especially if it’s windy.
  • Avoid standing near mooring lines or overhanging decks when docking.
  • Pack essentials in your carry-on, just in case a delay happens.
  • Ask about port infrastructure if you’re cruising in weather-prone areas.

Remember, crew members are trained for these situations, and ships often delay embarkation or use tugboats when conditions look sketchy.

Cruise lines are now reviewing mooring procedures and investing in stronger equipment and faster weather-tracking tech.

Final Thoughts: Should You Cancel? Nope.

If you’ve got a cruise coming up, there’s no need to panic.

Think of these incidents like turbulence on a flight – unsettling, yes, but something the crew knows how to handle.

The best thing you can do is stay informed, follow the crew’s lead, and use common sense around gangways and open decks.

With over 30 million cruise passengers sailing safely each year, cruising is still one of the most enjoyable – and safe – ways to travel.

But as ships get bigger and weather gets wilder, being aware of the risks (and how to avoid them) is just good cruising sense.

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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