A 56-year-old New Zealand passenger was rescued after falling into the sea when powerful winds snapped a cruise ship's mooring lines at the Port of Corfu on Tuesday evening, June 30.
The Hellenic Coast Guard reported that the lines of the Bahamas-flagged vessel parted while it was docked alongside the quay.
As the cruise ship drifted from the berth, the gangway shifted out of position, causing the female passenger to lose her footing and fall into the harbor.
Ship crew members and dockworkers immediately pulled the woman from the water.
Emergency personnel transported her by ambulance to Corfu General Hospital, where she received treatment for minor injuries to her face and body.
Following the incident, the 56-year-old Italian captain was questioned by local authorities regarding allegations of endangering passengers and neglecting a legal duty of care under the Hellenic Penal Code.
The Central Port Authority of Corfu is examining whether appropriate safety measures were implemented during the severe weather conditions.
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that the vessel belonged to its fleet, though Greek authorities did not officially release the name of the ship.
The company clarified that the captain complied with local administrative procedures and was never placed under formal arrest or detained.
"We’ve been made aware of the false allegations made in several reportings on an incident that occurred with one of our vessels earlier this week.
Due to strong winds, one of our ships separated from the pier while docked in Corfu, Greece.
As per standard protocol with situations of this nature, the captain was requested to provide a statement to the local authorities.
At no point was the captain under arrest or detained. Following the statement, he immediately returned to the vessel to prepare for the ship’s departure.
The safety of our guest and crew remains our top priority, and the ship continued its voyage as planned with only minor adjustments to call times," stated the NCL Public Relations Team.
The cruise line reiterated the captain's return to regular operations in a separate statement provided to USA TODAY.
"He fully cooperated with the investigation, was released without restriction following his statement and immediately resumed his duties aboard the vessel to prepare for the ship's departure," the cruise line told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.
"The safety of our guests and crew remains our top priority, and the ship continued its voyage as planned with only minor adjustments to call times."
The vessel was permitted to depart the port and continue its scheduled itinerary while the Hellenic Coast Guard proceeds with its ongoing investigation.
