Cruise Ships Depart, Leaving Passengers Behind As Massive Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Fears

A massive earthquake struck Russia’s eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday morning, prompting tsunami warnings for Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii, which created panic, fear, and chaos.

The 8.7 magnitude earthquake led to sirens blowing in the regions, with people rushing to higher ground to take shelter.

British cruise ship tourists in Hawaii took to social media to describe their experience.

According to many, cruise ships left the port early after the warnings were released, and many people were left behind.

One of the passengers posted a clip on TikTok showing people running towards the port as the ships left in a hurry.

Per the U.S Tsunami Warning Centres, waves as high as 10 feet were expected to hit the coasts of the northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Another person named Mandy shared that even though some reached the port, they were left behind. She said that after the cruise ships left, people were searching for higher ground and were scared and upset.

Nobody knew what was going to happen, and the bus driver had no idea either. People left behind were also worried about their family members on the ship, and vice versa.

Many who made it to their ships talked about the scary scenario with British media channels. A tourist named Rachel Burrows said she and others were touring the volcanic area of the Big Island when they started receiving warnings on their phones.

The tsunami warnings were taken lightly by the Tour guide at the time; however, more messages came with the estimated time the tsunami wave would strike, the tour ended, and they returned to the port and their ships.

Burrows said she saw a group of people who were left shouting and in panic as they were left behind by the cruise ships.

Per some media sources, atleast 600 people were left behind and were asked to find high ground.

Source: Maritime Shipping News