Swells leave cruise passengers hurt

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Harrowing 25ft swells and violent winds have seen more than 40 passengers on a P&O cruise ship disembark sporting injuries, it has been revealed.

Some of the 1,732 passengers aboard the Pacific Sun feared for their lives, with one emailing a message that read: "We are nearly on our side. If we get out of this, it will be a miracle."

Some passengers were reportedly injured when machines in the ship's casino came loose while crockery flew in the dining area during the storm off New Zealand.

Eventually, the vessel, which was on an eight-night South Pacific cruise was able to dock at Auckland in New Zealand.

The company said the ship had been "superficially" damaged.

One of the first to disembark, Jacinda Pollard, said: "We heard stuff crashing everywhere. We heard screaming, things were a bit of a mess. Casino machines fell over."

A statement released by the company said counselling was being offered to passengers and crew who had been shaken by the experience. The company had also arranged travel and a hotel for waiting family and friends.

The vessel is owned by P&O Australia which is a separate company from the UK P&O Cruises but is part of the Carnival empire which includes Cunard.

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