MV Britannia: Hundreds of passengers leave Hampshire-based P&O cruise ship early after collision in Palma de Mallorca
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A small number of people sustained minor injuries and were cared for by the onboard medical centre, a P&O Cruises spokesperson said.
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Hide AdInspections revealed that one of the lifeboats sustained structural issues and cannot be repaired onboard, the spokesperson added.
This means the ship has to return to Southampton with a reduced number of passengers.
It is understood 321 people will be flying home early.
A P&O Cruises spokesman said: “On Sunday August 27, P&O Cruises Britannia was impacted by severe weather when alongside in Palma de Mallorca.
“Following inspections, our third-party surveyor has confirmed that one of Britannia’s lifeboats has sustained structural issues and cannot be repaired onboard.
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Hide Ad“We are so sorry but these extraordinary circumstances mean that the ship is required, by maritime regulation, to return to Southampton with a reduced number of people on board.
“A limited number of guests and crew on board have been advised that they will be leaving the ship and will be returned to Southampton (or their starting point) by flight and transfer.
Britannia departed from Palma de Mallorca on Monday and is expected to reach Southampton on Friday, the spokesman added.