At Least 16 People Injured After Cruise Ship Is Battered in Rough Waters During 14-Day Voyage

At least 16 people have been injured after a cruise ship hit rough waters while sailing in New Zealand.

Passengers on board the cruise ship Crown Princess were traveling on a 14-day round trip from Sydney, Australia, when they suffered “minor injuries” as the liner was battered by strong winds on Feb. 25, a representative for the cruise line tells PEOPLE.

“While in Fiordland, New Zealand, Crown Princess encountered strong winds during a course change, causing the ship to briefly tilt beyond its usual movement before stabilizing. Our crew responded quickly to correct the situation, and at no point was the safety of the ship compromised,” the spokesperson says.

“A total of 13 guests and three crew members sustained minor injuries and all are doing well. Additionally, a small amount of water from the Lido Deck pool briefly entered the Horizons food court, but the area was quickly cleaned and reopened. There was no structural damage to the ship,” they continue.

Adds the spokesperson: “We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate our guests’ understanding. Crown Princess remains fully operational and safe, and the voyage continued as planned.”

Footage posted on Facebook from the ordeal showed passengers in the canteen of the cruise ship grabbing onto tables as the boat leaned from side to side and water rushed inside. Bags and perfumes in the shops were also strewn out on the floor.

In other images, the ship’s kitchen was in disarray, with broken plates, food and drink spilled, and tray towers fallen over. Footage also showed the kitchen staff bracing themselves for another big lean from the boat, per 9 News Australia. 

One passenger told the outlet he was “walking along doing my lap [when] all of a sudden the boat I realized the boat was on an angle. I had to hang on.”

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A second passenger added, “The tables and chairs went sliding across the room, and a girl went sliding on her chair over towards the pool.”

A third wrote of the incident on Facebook, per 7 News, “The buffet level was flooded from the pools so a bit soggy under foot for breakfast.”