British cruise ship runs aground in Norway leaving 750 passengers stranded

British cruise ship runs aground in Norway, 750 passengers stranded

More than 750 holidaymakers became stranded on a cruise ship that ran aground in Norway.

The passengers, mainly British, became stranded after the ship got stuck in soft mud while manoeuvring to drop anchor in high winds near Leknes in Norway's northern Lofoten Islands.

According to the Mirror, the ship was chartered by British-based Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) who confirmed the vessel got stuck.

The Daily Record reports that were allowed to leave the ship to continue with planned excursions.

Rescue serves were working to pull the boat free at high tide on Saturday, after attempts by tugboats and a coastguard vessel to move it failed.

Speaking to Sky News, a spokesman said: "There has been no oil pollution arising out of the incident and none of the 763 mainly British passengers or crew have been injured.

"Passengers wishing to go ashore were transferred by tender and the local tour programme continued as scheduled."

The ship is currently on a 14-night Northern Lights cruise, costing up to £2,749 per ticket.

Chris Coates, CMV commercial director, said: "We are doing everything we can to ensure that Marco Polo can resume her itinerary and remain confident that she will continue to operate her Northern Lights cruise as planned.

"The comfort and safety of our passengers is our top priority. Our passengers have been fully updated of the situation."

According to the Daily Mail, the same cruise ship made headlines in February after James Swinstead, 85, was killed "almost instantly" when water crashed through restaurant windows as freak storms hit the English Channel.