Southampton-based P&O cruise ship Britannia crashes in Spain during storm
A cruise ship which left Southampton earlier this month has crashed after its moorings snapped in stormy weather.
A number of passengers onboard have suffered minor injuries.
The P&O Britannia cruise ship, which was carrying thousands of British passengers, crashed into another vessel on Sunday (August 27) just off the coast of Palma.
Photos and videos posted on social media from those onboard show the vessel struggling in the stormy conditions.
Sue Roberts spoke to ITV News Meridian from her cabin onboard the Britannia about the moment the cruise ship broke free from its moorings
Mallorca had been experiencing 75mph winds and torrential rain, which caused sun loungers to be blown into the air.
Passengers were told to remain inside their cabins while being told 'this is not a drill' by the captain after they heard a loud bang and saw debris floating in the water
The captain later confirmed that there was no "structural compromise" resulting from the incident.
In a statement P&O Cruises said: "We are aware of an incident involving Britannia on Sunday morning while the ship was alongside in Palma de Mallorca.
"We are working to assess the situation. The captain is keeping all guests updated. To allow our technical teams to make an assessment Britannia will remain alongside in Palma de Mallorca tonight with onboard entertainment and activities scheduled.”
P&O added that a 'small number' of people are being cared for onboard after receiving 'minor injuries'
The £473m ship, which began sailing in 2015, is the flagship of the P&O fleet based in Southampton, Hampshire.
The Britannia set sail from Southampton on August 18 for the Mediterranean cruise including stops at Cadiz and Ibiza and had been due to leave Mallorca on Sunday afternoon.