- A British cruise passenger, 85-year-old Trevor Gilks, died after sustaining a cervical spine injury during severe weather on Saga Cruises' Spirit of Discovery in the Bay of Biscay on 4 November 2023, with over 100 other passengers also injured.
- An investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) concluded that Mr Gilks received "suboptimal treatment" due to a delay in identifying his severe spinal injury, noting that further X-rays were not taken despite a radiologist's inability to confirm damage without a side-on view, and he was placed on a bed instead of a spinal board.
- The MAIB report also criticised the captain's decision to cross the Bay of Biscay in force 11 winds, stating it was "not effectively challenged" by the crew or shore teams, despite weather warnings advising against the crossing.
- Mr Gilks' injury occurred when his high-backed armchair toppled during violent rolling, and his condition deteriorated, leading to his death on 8 November, four days after the incident.
- The MAIB has recommended that cruise ships be required to fit electronic devices measuring their stability, while Saga Cruises stated they accept the recommendations but "disagree with some of their conclusions" and have already enhanced their policies.
IN FULL
British cruise passenger who damaged spine during storm ‘died after care delay’
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