Aberdeen passengers tell of cruise ship terror

ABERDEEN holidaymakers today told of their terror after a luxury cruise liner crashed, killing three people.

Arlene Grant and Lorna Mackay’s dream holiday turned to horror when the cruise ship Costa Europa crashed into a dock at an Egyptian Red Sea resort.

They were among six Aberdeen tourists travelling on the ship which claimed the lives of three crew and injured at least four others at the Sharm al-Sheikh resort.

Friends Arlene, of Aberdeen’s Union Grove, Aberdeen, and Lorna, of Kingswells, had been enjoying a holiday together when tragedy struck.

Speaking from Egypt Arlene, 61,today said: “We were coming into port and the boat hit the jetty, leaving a hole in deck one.

“The captain made an announcement saying there had been an accident but to continue as normal.

“But another announcement was made and we were told to pack our luggage and abandon ship.

“By that time, the boat had listed to one side and things were flying all over the place. It was pretty terrifying as it was dark and the ship had been listing.”

Arlene’s son Nicol, 29, today told of the “panic” his mum felt in the moments after the crash, as passengers caused a stampede.

He said: “She said it was manic getting off, with a lot of people pushing and shoving to get down a single gangplank.”

Michael MacKay, 21, said his mum Lorna, was “very shaken up” after the accident.

Two couples from Cults – Peter and Joan Coutts, and Fraser and Cindy Richardson – were also on board the liner for the 18-day cruise.

shind@ajl.co.uk