When Was the Last Time a Cruise Ship Sank?

While not common, cruise ships do sink.

There is no better way to ruin a relaxing vacation than evacuation from a sinking cruise ship. In 2007, The Louis Cruise Line cruise ship, Sea Diamond, ran aground with passengers on board and sank.

Ship

The Louis Cruise Line's Sea Diamond was a Greek-flagged, 21-year-old cruise ship at the time of its sinking. The ship had not been renovated in the 10 years prior to the sinking.

Sinking

On Apr. 15, 2007, the Sea Diamond ran aground on a volcanic reef near Santorini Island in the Aegean Sea. There were approximately 1,600 passengers on board at the time. Two French passengers went missing and were presumed dead.

Cause

The volcanic reef which ripped open the ship's hull was well-charted and lit at the time of the grounding. While emergency procedures worked well, rescuing most of the passengers and crew on board, questions arose in the aftermath as to why the ship sank in the first place. The captain and several other crew members were arrested and charged with negligence for the shipwreck. The cruise line was fined by the Greek government for the environmental impact, and was party to several lawsuits from passengers.

References

• Cruise Bruise: Cruise Ship Sinks 1600 Passenger Aboard As Ship Rams Volcanic Reef Louis Cruise Lines - Sea Diamond - April 5, 2007
• USA Today: Cruise ship's sinking puts safety in focus