Allure of the Seas: An Oasis-class cruise ship, measuring 362 metres in length, with a capacity to carry over 6,000 passengers. The ship was in the middle of a four-day Bahamas cruise and docked in Nassau at the time of the incident. Despite sustaining damage to one of its lifeboats, the vessel was deemed seaworthy and continued its voyage after inspections.
My Aurora: A 36.75-metre Nordhavn motor yacht, delivered in 2013 as the flagship of Nordhavn’s 120 series. My Aurora accommodates up to 10 guests across five staterooms and features high-end design elements such as a sundeck Jacuzzi and a full wet bar. The vessel, currently docked at Bayshore Marina in Nassau, is expected to undergo repairs.
Sequence of events
Videos circulating on social media show My Aurora approaching Allure of the Seas at an angle before striking its port side. Passengers aboard Allure shouted as the smaller yacht’s bow collided with the cruise ship, damaging one of its lifeboats. A crew member on My Aurora attempted to place fenders between the vessels to prevent further damage, though the yacht’s antenna reportedly struck the lifeboat in the process.
After the collision, My Aurora drifted along the side of the cruise ship before coming to a stop. Neither vessel reported injuries among passengers or crew.
Allure of the Seas suffered minor damage but was able to resume its itinerary. My Aurora sustained damage to its bow and antenna. According to AIS data, the yacht remains in the Bahamas near Paradise Island, with Florida listed as its next intended destination.
Nassau Harbour is a high-traffic area that poses challenges for vessels of varying sizes, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The incident raises questions about whether additional measures, such as enhanced pilotage protocols or infrastructure improvements, are needed to accommodate larger vessels while ensuring the safety of smaller ones.
Both Allure of the Seas and My Aurora have resumed or are preparing to resume operations following the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and assess any potential lapses in operational protocols.
