The Norwegian Epic cruise ship remains docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico after reportedly experiencing engine trouble and crashing into a pair of mooring points on Tuesday.
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the incident in a statement on Twitter, pointing out that there were no injuries and that it was working with local authorities to assess the damage.
The cruise line said the ship was being assisted by two tug boats when strong wind gusts forced it into the moorings.
Today as Norwegian Epic was maneuvering into Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico with a local pilot on board & the help of two tug boats, prevailing winds caused the ship to veer towards the pier, damaging two mooring points at Pier 3 East.
— Cruise Norwegian (@CruiseNorwegian) February 13, 2019
No injuries have been reported and guests are currently disembarking the ship as previously scheduled. We are working closely with local authorities to assess the damage.
— Cruise Norwegian (@CruiseNorwegian) February 13, 2019
According to WKMG, the Norwegian Epic departed Port Canaveral, Florida on Saturday for a seven-day Caribbean cruise that was scheduled to make its first stop in the British Virgin Islands on Tuesday prior to the mechanical issues that diverted the ship to San Juan.
After engine failure at sea on Norwegian Epic we diverted to San Juan to dock and the ship took out Pier while docking. @Local12 @FoxNews @WLWT pic.twitter.com/5JmLPf9etm
— Doug Brown (@OHSpotterM0399) February 13, 2019
The ship, which is scheduled to return to Port Canaveral on Saturday, is expected to remain in Puerto Rico until at least Thursday as mechanics make the necessary repairs.
This week’s incident comes just two months after a cruise ship struck a mooring amid heavy winds in Key West, Florida, rendering the Mallory Square port of call temporarily unusable.
