Pacific Sun Heads Home

July 31, 2008

Pacific Sun Heads Home

P&O Cruises' Pacific Sun is now heading back to Auckland following an improvement in weather conditions.

On Wednesday, Pacific Sun was affected by unexpectedly severe weather conditions and rolled sharply after experiencing 7 metre swells and 50 knot winds.

Following the ship's sudden movement, approximately 40 passengers visited the medical facilities, mainly to address minor injuries such as cuts, bruises and sprains.

Three passengers remain under medical supervision. These three passengers are currently in a stable and comfortable condition and attended to by the two doctors and three nurses onboard.

"The three injured passengers have spoken to their families and are currently in good medical care onboard the ship," a P&O Cruises spokesperson said.

The course between Vanuatu and Auckland had been planned to avoid as much of the poor weather affecting the region as possible, but yesterday evening the weather unexpectedly took a turn for the worse.

Pacific Sun had been set on a slow and steady Westerly course to minimise discomfort to passengers. With winds subsiding, the Captain turned the ship toward Auckland at approximately 4pm today.

The ship, which was due to return to Auckland this morning, is now due in on Friday afternoon, barring further bad weather.

The ship is carrying 1732 passengers and 671 crew. She was on her return from an eight day cruise in the South Pacific.

For families of passengers seeking more information, please call:

Australia 13 24 69 and New Zealand 0800 951 200.

ENDS

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