Norwegian Encore Gangway Collapses During Panama Canal Cruise

A gangway going from Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship Norwegian Encore to the pier two decks below collapsed on Tuesday while the vessel was docked in Panama City, Panama.

Multiple social media posts have given some details on the incident, which occurred during Encore‘s current three-week repositioning cruise from Seattle to Miami.

A passenger named Genevieve posted on Twitter, “I’m on the Norwegian Encore in Panama – a gangway from deck 6 to the pier 2 decks below has collapsed while passengers were walking on it.” She went on to say that she saw at least six ambulances at the scene, and at least nine people taken away on on stretchers or in wheelchairs with injuries.

I’m on the Norwegian Encore in Panama – a gangway from deck 6 to the pier 2 decks below has collapsed while passengers were walking on it.

5 ambulances, 3 police cars and military are present… pic.twitter.com/u1dki7igFh

— Genevieve (@JournoGenevieve) November 8, 2022

A travel agent named Jo-Ann who has a client on the sailing posted on Facebook about the incident, writing “My client is on the ship and just wrote. She’s beside herself with grief right now… She said several people were hanging on for dear life, and couldn’t any longer. They dropped and hit concrete.”

The ship was delayed leaving Panama City due to the incident. In a statement, a spokesperson for the cruise line said “Several guests sustained injuries and were immediately sent for treatment at a nearby medical facility. We have dispatched our CARE Team to Panama City to offer additional support to these guests.”

Norwegian Encore is scheduled to arrive in Miami on Sunday. The spent the summer in Alaska, operating voyages out of Seattle. For the winter season, the 2019-built Encore will sail mostly seven-night cruises from Miami to the Caribbean.

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