Multiple Cruise Passengers Evacuated from Ship Trapped Off Florida Coast by Hurricane Milton

Mar. 15, 2025

Multiple passengers aboard Princess Cruises’ new shipSun Princesswere evacuated due to medical emergencies as the ship is currently stuck at sea amid Hurricane Milton.

TheSun Princesswas scheduled to dock at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Wednesday, but the port had already begun shutting down early Tuesday morning due toHurricane Milton, the category 4 storm that’s expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as soon as Wednesday night.

The ship was making its way toward Port Everglades on Tuesday, Oct. 8 when the first incident occurred.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the U.S. coast guard confirmed, “Coast Guard Air Station Miami hoisted a person who had a medical emergency and needed a higher level of care."

Coast Guard airlifting sick passenger off the ‘Sun Princess’.Ann Youmans / SWNS

Ann Youmans / SWNS

The cruise line confirmed to PEOPLE thatSun Princessis currently stuck at sea.

“Due to Hurricane Milton’s approach to Florida, the U.S. Coast Guard has restricted ship access to all ports in South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, whereSun Princesswas scheduled to disembark guests today, Oct. 9,” a spokesperson for Princess Cruises says.

‘Sun Princess’ medical evacuation.Ann Youmans / SWNS

They’re hoping to dock on Friday “pending clearance,” the spokesperson added.

The ship’s crew will “continue to monitor the storm’s path closely and ensure that we stay clear of any dangerous weather, prioritizing guests' safety and comfort,” the statement concludes.

U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.Ann Youmans / SWNS

According toCruiseMapper, the boat appears to be sitting just north of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea as of Wednesday afternoon.

‘Sun Princess’ ship.Ann Youmans / SWNS

Port Everglades is currently open “for fuel truck deliveries” only, a spokesperson for the port confirmed to PEOPLE.

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“After Hurricane Milton passes, the port and its customers will resume operations as soon as safely possible pending U.S. Coast Guard clearance," they added.

Sun Princesswas set to embark on its first sailing in North America on Friday, Oct. 11. It first made its official debut on its 10-day maiden voyage through the Mediterranean in February 2024.

source: people.com