Viking Ocean Cruises' crippled Viking Sky was docked in the
Norwegian port of Molde on Sunday at about 4:30 p.m. local time.
All passengers and crew are safe, and passengers will be
flying home starting tonight, Viking said in a statement.
The Norwegian media reported that a total of 479 people had
been airlifted by helicopter off the ship by Norwegian rescue teams. The rest
of the approximately 915 passengers remained on the ship as it was maneuvered
to Molde, accompanied by two offshore supply ships and one tug assist vessel.
The Viking Sky lost propulsion in rough weather and was
dangerously close to a rocky shoreline. The captain, in coordination with the
Norwegian Coast Guard, ordered the helicopter evacuations.
Viking said about 20 people were injured and were receiving
care in Norwegian medical centers, and that some have already been discharged.
The next sailing, "Scandinavia & the Kiel Canal,"
has been canceled. It was scheduled to embark on March 27. Guests and their travel
agents have been contacted directly, Viking said. The cruise line said it does
not anticipate any additional Viking Sky cancellations at this time.