What Would Happen to a Cruise Ship During a Tsunami?

By Michael Ferguson

A tsunami is a horrifying natural disaster that can devastate coastal regions, wiping away homes and businesses and even claiming lives. But what would happen to a cruise ship during a tsunami? It’s a valid question, as cruise ships often travel in coastal areas that could be in the path of a raging tsunami.

The truth is, it depends on the size of the ship and where it is when the tsunami hits. If it’s close to the shoreline, then chances are pretty high that it will take on some damage and possibly be destroyed if the wave is large enough. Smaller ships can travel faster and have more maneuverability than larger vessels, so they may be able to outrun or ride out smaller tsunamis.

Of course, if the ship is in port when the tsunami hits, there’s not much chance of escape. The port infrastructure may be destroyed or damaged by the wave, leaving no safe harbor for ships to seek refuge from the stormy waters of a giant wave.

Cruise ships are also at risk if they are caught in open ocean when a tsunami passes through. Tsunamis can travel at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour so there’s not much time for a ship to get out of its way. The force of such a giant wave could easily overwhelm even large vessels.

Conclusion:

In short, what would happen to a cruise ship during a tsunami depends on its size and where it is located at the time. Smaller ships may have an easier time escaping or riding out smaller tsunamis while larger vessels may not have enough time to move out of its path before being overwhelmed by its sheer power. Ships docked in port are also vulnerable as port infrastructure can be destroyed by tidal waves.