Dawn ran aground while leaving Bermuda?

[BrPanthers99]

mking8288: it does make you think about what these mega huge ships do to the reefs around them. Sometimes I feel so removed from potential damage when on a cruise ship (going only on my 3rd cruise, but it makes you think about how these giant machines effect the waters and reefs around them).

 

It also should make one think of having proper documentation when travelling. I'm from Canada, so I have to have my passport to travel to the US, but I'm thinking how having a passport will aid in getting me home in dire circumstances as having to leave a ship and fly home unexpectedly.

 

My next cruise will be on the Breakaway to Bermuda for my honeymoon and birthday. I now feel that my fiancé and I will leave our wedding bands and other jewellery and other important items at home in order to travel smart and not have to fear leaving anything behind if need be (God forbid). Just grab our passports and go.

 

All in all, something like this makes you think about what is important, and what is important/essential to pack, and what we should leave at home (wedding rings, etc...) All the very best of peace and comfort to the wonderful staff of the Dawn and the passengers.

 

 

The Breakaway fits through the channel, but there is not much room on either side. It's pretty interesting.

 

Leave the jewelry behind!

[BeachMartini]

I mean I wear my wedding rings so no sense to leave them at home...

Edited May 20, 2015 by BeachMartini

[Cuizer2]

Liberty of the Seas is moving away from Bermuda at 18 Knots. I doubt they would be sailing away if there was real danger with the other ship.

 

How is the Liberty of the Seas staying in Bermuda going to help the Dawn?

[persephoneo]

I mean I wear my wedding rings so no sense to leave them at home...

 

I think I should have said, "additional jewellery/keepsakes" as your wedding rings should be on fingers (hopefully!)

 

I guess I'm paranoid, but I have a feeling I'll be leaving all of my jewellery at home for my honeymoon. That's just me though.

 

Thoughts to all on the Dawn!

[Dave_MaryJo]

Live tweets from the ship.

 

https://twitter.com/Rachel_Hansen12

 

https://twitter.com/ThatCantB_Right

[Topsham]

NCL would also have to arrange to have temporary passport for all those who choose to travel with Birth Certificate. Another good example of a good reason to have a passport when leaving home. Easy to arrange for those guests who hold passport; more of a nuisance for those who do not.

 

 

 

Not in this case. They would have the same requirements coming into Bermuda from USA... by air OR ship.

 

To fly back the US Immigration is actually done on Bermuda... and you arrive in your US destination in 'domestic' areas.

[mking8288]

As of 10 minutes ago, St. David, the small but fast Pilot boat was pulling away from the Dawn at 20 knots, she's now at 24 knots - returning to shore - headings for St. George's on the east end. The Dawn isn't moving & there's no further update about whether it was successful in freeing her from the coral reef - remember her bow was above the waterline earlier.

 

Bermuda weather service chart - next low tide @ 5:09 AM local time and next high tide @ 10:50 AM Wed.

 

When we're on the Explorer of the Seas (2012) - we definitely had the pilot boat alongside as escort both coming in and leaving Dockyard/Bermuda - the Dawn docked next to us. Ships followed each other along the narrow channel. (Photos then for those of you collecting them)

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12091.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12090.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12092.JPG

 

Hoping for the best for the Dawn's pax & crew in the morning - don't look like there's much they can do at night even with the divers on scene. Just trying to imagine 2 megaships floating off the islands, unable to dock and maybe too far to safely run tenders - or, at best, late for reaching Dockyard.

 

We always travel with our U.S. passports and travel light, even when cruising - a 22" carry-on and 25" carry-on for cruises from home port and only 22" expandable carryon when flying - reasons: plans do change & flexibility is when you don't have to worry about checked luggage - way too many near "horror" stories after flying a million air miles over the years.

Edited May 20, 2015 by mking8288

[persephoneo]

As of 10 minutes ago, St. David, the small but fast Pilot boat was pulling away from the Dawn at 20 knots, she's now at 24 knots - returning to shore - headings for St. George's on the east end. The Dawn isn't moving & there's no further update about whether it was successful in freeing her from the coral reef - remember her bow was above the waterline earlier.

 

Bermuda weather service chart - next low tide @ 5:09 AM local time and next high tide @ 10:50 AM Wed.

 

When we're on the Explorer of the Seas (2012) - we definitely had the pilot boat alongside as escort both coming in and leaving Dockyard/Bermuda - the Dawn was next to us. Ships followed each other along the narrow channel. (Photos then for those of you collecting them)

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12091.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12090.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12092.JPG

 

Hoping for the best for the Dawn's pax & crew in the morning - don't look like there's much they can do at night even with the divers on scene. Just trying to imagine 2 megaships floating off the islands, unable to dock and maybe too far to safely run tenders.

 

As for traveling, we always travel with our U.S. passports and travel light, even when cruising - a 22" carry-on and 25" carry-on for cruises from home port and 22" expandable carryon when flying - reasons: plans do change & flexibility is when you don't have to worry about checked luggage - way too many near "horror" stories after flying a million air miles over the years.

 

I agee, this thread has been a lesson for me on packing in a smart way, with things that won't be mourned if lost. I will be newly married on our next cruise (honeymoon), but I think these new rings will be left at home because it'll be a new "habit" and it'll be better left at home.

 

I just want to reiterate how important passports are. I know they can be a pain in the butt to get, but can be such a comfort in times of unexpected strife. It's the best way to go, passports can pave the way much better than drivers' licenses, other documents, or whatever. There's nothing in the world like holding your own passport. It's a powerful thing.

[alonzo14]

As of 10 minutes ago, St. David, the small but fast Pilot boat was pulling away from the Dawn at 20 knots, she's now at 24 knots - returning to shore - headings for St. George's on the east end. The Dawn isn't moving & there's no further update about whether it was successful in freeing her from the coral reef - remember her bow was above the waterline earlier.

 

Bermuda weather service chart - next low tide @ 5:09 AM local time and next high tide @ 10:50 AM Wed.

 

When we're on the Explorer of the Seas (2012) - we definitely had the pilot boat alongside as escort both coming in and leaving Dockyard/Bermuda - the Dawn docked next to us. Ships followed each other along the narrow channel. (Photos then for those of you collecting them)

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12091.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12090.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64025118/2012%20Cap%20Liberty%20-%20Bermuda/BDA-12092.JPG

 

Hoping for the best for the Dawn's pax & crew in the morning - don't look like there's much they can do at night even with the divers on scene. Just trying to imagine 2 megaships floating off the islands, unable to dock and maybe too far to safely run tenders - or, at best, late for reaching Dockyard.

 

We always travel with our U.S. passports and travel light, even when cruising - a 22" carry-on and 25" carry-on for cruises from home port and only 22" expandable carryon when flying - reasons: plans do change & flexibility is when you don't have to worry about checked luggage - way too many near "horror" stories after flying a million air miles over the years.

 

Thank you for this report. Hopefully they can get moving after daylight in the morning.

[bermudashorts]

She is free

 

 

 

http://portbermudawebcam.com/

Edited May 20, 2015 by bermudashorts

[njhorseman]

Not in this case. They would have the same requirements coming into Bermuda from USA... by air OR ship.

 

To fly back the US Immigration is actually done on Bermuda... and you arrive in your US destination in 'domestic' areas.

 

International air travel requires a passport, but for US citizens there's a special rule permitting use of a birth certificate and photo ID on a Western Hemisphere closed loop cruise departing a US port as long as the countries on the itinerary agree, and virtually every Caribbean Island as well as Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Bahamas participate in the program and permit this.

 

As a result there will be a substantial number of passengers on the Dawn who are not in possession of a passport, and if they have to fly back to the US, the US Departments of State and Homeland Security will have to issue emergency authorizations to fly to passengers not holding a passport. It's actually not that big a deal. They've done it before in similar circumstances (example: a disabled Carnival ship that could not sail back to the US from St. Maarten) and shouldn't delay the passengers' return home too much if for no other reason than it takes some time to secure enough aircraft to fly thousands of people.

[sailandcruise]

See http://us.nvcharts.com/media/images/org/R16_1.png

 

You can see the reefs all around the island and the complex routes that have to be followed by the large ships.

[antsnanny]

She is free

 

Awesome!

[scarhead101]

So good to hear. I'm boarding her this Friday!

[shof515]

will she reach boston on time?

[phoenix1181]

will she reach boston on time?

 

If they leave tomorrow there shouldn't be a problem.

[persephoneo]

International air travel requires a passport, but for US citizens there's a special rule permitting use of a birth certificate and photo ID on a Western Hemisphere closed loop cruise departing a US port as long as the countries on the itinerary agree, and virtually every Caribbean Island as well as Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Bahamas participate in the program and permit this.

 

As a result there will be a substantial number of passengers on the Dawn who are not in possession of a passport, and if they have to fly back to the US, the US Departments of State and Homeland Security will have to issue emergency authorizations to fly to passengers not holding a passport. It's actually not that big a deal. They've done it before in similar circumstances (example: a disabled Carnival ship that could not sail back to the US from St. Maarten) and shouldn't delay the passengers' return home too much if for no other reason than it takes some time to secure enough aircraft to fly thousands of people.

 

I totally agree, getting a passport can be a time/money/effort drain, but it is so important if deciding to leave the country. I'm just a quiet Canadian, but I've had a passport since I was 18 - just to have one. I wanted to have the freedom to go where I wanted.

 

All that to say, in a terrible situation, US passengers will be able to get home on birth certs., licenses, etc... but it'll take more time. I feel that any traveller should seek out getting a passport (even if it's a pain in the butt). It is an international document that is recognized and grants you some protection.

 

My inlaws both lack their birth certs and are having to work with notaries to get their documents in order to finally get a passport. It's become a big goal for them. All this to say, if you have the paperwork and time to get a passport now, it may save you time and frustration in the future.

 

All the best to all travellers! :)

[Orleanscruiser]

Here's the dawn aground on the reef

 

[sail7seas]

I agee, this thread has been a lesson for me on packing in a smart way, with things that won't be mourned if lost. I will be newly married on our next cruise (honeymoon), but I think these new rings will be left at home because it'll be a new "habit" and it'll be better left at home.

 

I just want to reiterate how important passports are. I know they can be a pain in the butt to get, but can be such a comfort in times of unexpected strife. It's the best way to go, passports can pave the way much better than drivers' licenses, other documents, or whatever. There's nothing in the world like holding your own passport. It's a powerful thing.

 

I always have thought "why own jewelry if I don't wear it" especially my wedding rings. The only time I have been without them is when hospitals made me remove them for surgery. Use common sense. If you are going ashore in a place that could be 'sketchy', remove any jewelry. That will not be necessary in Bermuda. It is a very beautiful, very safe island.

 

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

 

[luvtheships]

How is the Liberty of the Seas staying in Bermuda going to help the Dawn?

 

The Californian? The carpathia? Ever heard if them?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[mking8288]

Good news, the Dawn is moving & free - doing 1.8 knots, southwest direction = heading back to Dockyard ? or just moving away to a deeper part of the open water to clear the channel ?? We should know soon enough - live twittter blogs & bermuda sources indicating that she's just moving a little & then drop anchor till morning. No hull damage, a "fender bender" metal scratching the live corals ?? thankfully ...

 

But- the more troublesome & unanswered questions are:

why & how did the Dawn lost power & the ability to steer the ship, maybe it was an engine stalling, bad fuel mixture - would not be fun to have this happen in the middle of the deep Atlantic, hundreds of miles from nearest land. Could this happen again on this and subsequent sailings without repairs or maintenance, etc. etc.

 

Update - looked like she's slow down to just 0.2 to 0.4 knots now (vs. 20 minutes ago) maybe ready to do a full stop, still 3+ miles off the islands - to wait until daylight and high tide.

Edited May 20, 2015 by mking8288

[barnacle_boy]

The Californian? The carpathia? Ever heard if them?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

I don't think Dawn's position is similar to Titanic's. Sinking hundreds of miles off the coast of Newfoundland is not the same thing as being aground a stone's throw away from Bermuda.

[alonzo14]

I always have thought "why own jewelry if I don't wear it" especially my wedding rings. The only time I have been without them is when hospitals made me remove them for surgery. Use common sense. If you are going ashore in a place that could be 'sketchy', remove any jewelry. That will not be necessary in Bermuda. It is a very beautiful, very safe island.

 

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

 

 

Sail7seas: Very good advice!

 

Persephoneo: I also congratulate you on your upcoming marriage! Best wishes and smooth sailing!

[BeachMartini]

Local news just reported. A passenger said the ship never lost power, it lost steering.

[geocruiser]

She is down to 0.1knot now.