Dozens of cruise company who have been hoping for a pleasing day in Ketchikan, Alaska, didn’t get the expertise they have been hoping for.
On June 26, 2025, a college bus carrying 46 cruise passengers was concerned in a critical collision with an SUV whereas driving on the Tongass Freeway, inflicting the freeway to shut for round half an hour.
The crash occurred simply after 9 a.m. native time, presumably whereas the passengers have been on their technique to a shore tour that they by no means reached.
“The bus was touring southbound when it collided with an SUV, which then struck an influence pole,” the Metropolis of Ketchikan stated in a press launch.
Pictures from the crash present that the SUV got here to relaxation in opposition to the pole with its hood smashed, whereas the college bus was run off the primary highway and right into a ditch.
It’s unclear what triggered the accident or which driver could also be at fault, however an investigation is at the moment underway.
First responders hurried to the scene of the accident to evaluate the 2 drivers and the handfuls of cruisers.
Whereas ideally there could be no accidents in any respect, solely two cruise company and the driving force of the SUV wanted to be transferred to the hospital when it may have been a lot worse. No fatalities have been reported.
After being checked out by EMTs and paramedics, the cruise company who got a clear invoice of well being have been transported again to their cruise ship by a brand new bus.
“The varsity bus was carrying 46 cruise passengers and a single driver when the accident occurred. The passengers and drivers have been examined by EMTs and paramedics from the responding hearth departments,” the town assertion stated.
“After being examined and cleared medically, 44 cruise passengers have been transported again to their ship at Ward Cove through bus,” it continued.
It’s not clear which ship the cruisers have been passengers from, because the Ketchikan Cruise Port was at capability.
Per cruise monitoring information, Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss, and Holland America Line’s Eurodam all arrived within the port early that morning.
Sapphire Princess and Koningsdam additionally have been current, however didn’t sail into the port till after the accident had already occurred.
Is Historical past Repeating Itself?
Virtually a yr in the past, there was one other main tour bus accident that passed off in Skagway, Alaska, on September 6, 2024.
On this case, a tour bus carrying 24 cruise company overturned whereas driving on the South Klondike Freeway after the driving force suffered from a sudden medical emergency.
Because the accident occurred in a distant space round 35 miles exterior of Skagway, rescue was made harder by the gap and since cell service is just about non-existent.
In reality, two different tour buses really arrived on the scene and rendered help earlier than first responders may get there.
When all was stated and achieved, a complete of 12 passengers have been injured and have been transported to native hospitals for applicable therapy. The motive force additionally acquired care and was anticipated to recuperate.
Learn Additionally: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents
When you’re serious about reserving a cruise ship tour, don’t let these accidents scare you.
When you think about the truth that a whole lot to 1000’s of excursions happen yearly and not using a hitch, it’s simple to see that accidents like these are fairly uncommon.
Within the unlikely occasion that an accident does happen, reserving your tour via the cruise line does include some further protections.
Most notably, the cruise traces will do the whole lot of their energy to attend for delayed passengers who’re taking part in one in every of their excursions, whereas late comers from impartial excursions could also be left behind.
If an emergency takes place on a tour offered by the cruise firm, there is no such thing as a doubt that the cruise line will probably be instantly notified and that each effort will probably be made to help company within the aftermath.
However extra possible than not, your cruise tour will run usually and also you’ll return to the port with a brand new appreciation for the vacation spot you simply explored.
Supply hyperlink
