Cruises: 222 passengers STRANDED after ship propeller damage halts cruise holiday

A number of passengers were flown home after the trip was ended days earlier after being driven to the airport.

The cruise ship is to remain in the dock before being able to be fixed with new parts.

Ponant said to Express.co.uk in a statement: “On Wednesday 14 November 2018, Le Soléal, which at the time was under the control of a Chilean pilot, on board to comply with maritime regulations, suffered a technical incident as she was sailing through the Kirke Passage in Chile, and one of her propellers was damaged.

“Following this incident, which was not serious and had no impact on the safety of the guests and crew on board, the ship made her way, by her own means and unaided, to Puerto Natales where it is currently moored.

“The programme of the cruise under way is currently being reviewed. Le Soléal will be taken out of service temporarily to assess damage and carry out any necessary repairs.”