How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk With Passengers?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships are a popular mode of transportation for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the sea while enjoying luxurious amenities. However, there have been instances where cruise ships have encountered unfortunate accidents that resulted in sinking.

The question is, how many cruise ships have sunk with passengers on board? Let’s find out.

History of Cruise Ship Sinking

Cruise ship sinking is not a new phenomenon; it has happened several times in history. One of the most famous cruise ship sinkings was that of the RMS Titanic in 1912, which claimed over 1,500 lives. Since then, there have been many other incidents where cruise ships have sunk with passengers on board.

Famous Cruise Ship Sinking Incidents

  • The Costa Concordia: In January 2012, the Costa Concordia hit a rock off the coast of Italy and capsized. The accident claimed 32 lives.
  • The Sewol: In April 2014, a South Korean ferry named Sewol sank, killing over 300 people on board.
  • The Estonia: In September 1994, the MS Estonia sank in the Baltic Sea, resulting in the deaths of over 800 people.

How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk With Passengers?

According to research by Ross Klein, a professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland and author of “Death by Tourism,” there have been at least nine incidents since 2000 where cruise ships have sunk with passengers on board. These incidents claimed over 1,600 lives.

It’s important to note that while these incidents are tragic and devastating for those involved, they are relatively rare when compared to the number of cruises that take place each year. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), there were over 28 million cruise passengers in 2018 alone, and the number of cruise ships continues to grow each year.

Conclusion

While cruise ship sinking incidents are rare, they do happen. It’s important for passengers to familiarize themselves with safety procedures and emergency protocols when on board a cruise ship. Additionally, it’s crucial for cruise companies to prioritize passenger safety above all else and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents from happening.