Blue Sapphire accidents and incidents

27 January 2018Coast Guard Medevacs

On January 27, 2018, at ~8:40 am, a 24-year-old male crew was medevaced by a Portuguese Air Force (FAP) helicopter, while the ship was approx 230 ml / 370 km south of Madeira Island. The man (of British origin) was airlifted by a rescue helicopter (assisted by C295 aircraft) dispatched from FAP's base on Porto Santo Island (approx 43 km / 27 mi northeast of Madeira Island). The man was flown to Madeira's Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, then transported by ambulanced to Funchal (Hospital Dr Nelio Mendonca).

The rescue was a joint operation between Portugal's Navy (Ponta Delgada's MRCC). Funchal's MRSC, Madeira's SRPC and FAP.

September 2016Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

On September 2, 2016, a UK news media reported a Norovirus outbreak (gastrointestinal illness) with infected 25 passengers and crew after the ship docked in homeport Dover (England UK). All sick suffered from Norovirus symptoms (stomach cramps, predominantly vomiting and diarrhoea) and were quarantined to their cabins.

16 May 2014Fire Accident

On May 16, 2014, a fire accident left the vessel without power off  Scotland's west coast. No injuries were reported. After the repairs were completed, the ship resumed the voyage without itinerary changes.

June 2012Propulsion / Power Loss

In June 2012, mechanical problems resulted in reduced speed and itinerary changes. The ship was on Baltic Sea cruise itinerary (themed “Voyage to the North Cape”) roundtrip from homeport Dover England. Due to propulsion issues, from the scheduled itinerary were dropped the Norwegian call ports North Cape, Svolvaer, Honningsvag, Geiranger, Eidfjord. Arrival in call port Bergen was late.

Reportedly, there were also problems with the onboard electricity supply and air-conditioning system. As compensation, all passengers were given the options of 40% refund or 50% future Saga Cruises booking discount.

14 April 2012Propulsion / Power Loss

On April 14, 2012, the vessel experienced engine problems resulting in the cancellation of the "Inaugural Cruise" to the Mediterranean from the UK. The ship remained docked in Valencia Spain, awaiting repairs. All passengers were flown back to the UK.

The vessel was scheduled to complete the roundtrip voyage, returning back to homeport Southampton on April 18. The next scheduled voyage, instead of in Southampton started in Marseille France, to where all embarking passengers were flown from Southampton.

Issues with one of the ship's 2 main diesel engines forced Captain Alastair McLundie to cancel the voyage, although the vessel was able to continue on one engine. Replacement parts were flown to Valencia. As compensation, all passengers received a full refund plus future Saga Cruises booking discount.

March 2012Crew / Passenger Injuries and Overboards

(overboard) In March 2012, two male crew fell overboard during a lifeboat drill. They slipped from the lifeboat #5's roof and plunged 22 m (72 ft) into the water. During the incident, the vessel was berthed in homeport Southampton. Both men were safely rescued, with only minor injuries.

The MAIB inquiry (Marine Accident Investigation Board) discovered that neither of them was wearing safety harnesses. One of them (employed as a cook) was without any previous training, participating in such drill for the first time.