1 Aug 2008

Cruise ship finally docks in Auckland

3:23 pm on 1 August 2008

A P&O cruise ship which got caught in rough seas, injuring dozens of passengers, has docked safely in Auckland - nearly 24 hours late.

The Pacific Sun rolled sharply after being hit by 7-metre swells and 50 knot winds on Wednesday night.

Forty-two passengers needed to be seen by medical staff on the ship and three required medical supervision. A P&O spokesperson says three passengers were in a stable and comfortable condition on Friday.

The Pacific Sun was returning from an eight-day South Pacific cruise, carrying 1732 passengers and 671 crew.

A Maritime New Zealand Safety inspector met the ship at Princes Wharf to assess whether it is sea-worthy.

P&O has indicated it will consider compensating passengers in some way.