Cruise ship passenger in Italy blown overboard by strong winds
The FOX Forecast Center said wind gusts over 30 mph were reported at the nearby Catania-Fontanarossa Airport at the time.
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CATANIA, Italy – Winds were strong enough to knock a passenger overboard a cruise ship docked in Italy last Friday.
The passenger fell into the water as strong winds separated the Norwegian Epic from its dock in Catania, Sicily, according to a statement Norwegian Cruise Line released to FOX Weather.
"Unfortunately, one guest who was in the process of disembarking fell from the gangway into the water," read part of the statement.
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FILE - The cruise ship Norwegian Epic sails past the Statue of Liberty July 1, 2010 in New York Harbor. The Norwegian Cruise Line ship, on her Maiden Voyage from Southampton to New York, is claimed to be the largest ship to ever dock in a New York Passenger Ship Terminal. (AFP PHOTO/DON EMMERT (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images) / FOX Weather)
The cruise line company said crew members were able to assist the passenger immediately. That person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and was able to return to the ship later that day, according to the company.
One passenger, Brian Koning, described on social media the moment that the 1,080-foot vacation liner broke loose from its moorings.
"All ropes snapped with loud bangs," Koning wrote.
The FOX Forecast Center said wind gusts over 30 mph were reported at the nearby Catania-Fontanarossa Airport at the time.
The Norwegian Cruise Line Epic was built in 2010 and was last refurbished earlier this year. It can hold up to 4,070 guests, according to the company's website.