Rescue Helicopter Airlifts People From Viking Sky Cruise Ship Off Norway Coast

Norwegian rescue helicopters evacuated people from a cruise ship off the coast of Norway on Saturday, March 23, after the vessel lost engine power amid lashing winds and heavy seas, officials said.

At least 1,300 people needed to be evacuated from the rocking ship, police said. Five helicopters transported passengers ashore in batches, according to Norway’s rescue agency.

Winds recorded at speeds up to 38 knots whipped up waves. When the ship to lost its engine power the crew emitted a mayday call, officials said.

This footage was filmed by a CHC Helikopter Service crew and shows people being airlifted off the cruise ship on March 23.

Norway’s Rescue Coordination Center said the vessel was “safe at the quay in Molde” on March 24. Credit: CHC Florø via Storyful