Created Tuesday, Dec 26th 2023 12:21Z, last updated Tuesday, Dec 26th 2023 12:43Z
A Maleth-Aero Airbus A330-200, registration 9H-MFS performing flight
DB-1975 from Bridgetown (Barbados) to Manchester,EN (UK) with 225 passengers and 13 crew, was enroute at FL380 about 820nm east of Bermuda (Bermuda) when the aircraft encountered severe clear air turbulence causing injuries to 11 passengers. The crew turned around and diverted to Bermuda for a safe landing on runway 30 about 2.5 hours later. 11 passengers were taken to a local hospital.
Bermuda's Ministry of National Security reported the aircraft encountered severe turbulence at about 12:50L and performed a controlled landing into Bermuda. 11 passengers were taken to a hospital for assessment, 9 were already discharged. All injuries are reported to be minor.
The cruise operator "P&O Cruises", who had chartered the A330-200, reported the aircraft encountered "freak (unexpected) turbulence". The guests were taken to hotels and are expected to continue their journey on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) after the aircraft went through a thorough check.
The aircraft is still on the ground in Bermuda about 55 hours after landing in Bermuda.
Infrared Satellite Image GOES-East Dec 24th 2023 00:50Z (Graphics: AVH/NASA):
