Discovery Princess Ship Breaks Moorings in San Francisco Port: What You Need to Know

On April 3, 2025, the MS Discovery Princess experienced a concerning incident at San Francisco’s Pier 27 when strong side winds, gusting up to 34 mph, caused it to break free from its moorings. This incident resulted in the snapping of three stern cables, leading the ship to drift toward Pier 23.

In a swift reaction, the crew released a thicker stern line to help stabilize the ship’s position against the wind and activated the engines in an effort to maneuver it back to its berth. Eyewitnesses noted the crew’s urgency as they shouted commands during the attempt to regain control of the vessel.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew. The day before, a similar scenario unfolded with the MS Koningsdam, another ship docked at the same port. The captain announced that a failing pier bollard had allowed the vessel to drift after the bow lines were secured, leading to a gangway detaching from the ship. The crew quickly employed thrusters and dropped anchor to stabilize the ship, successfully averting a collision with a nearby pier.

These incidents underscore the dangers posed by strong winds during docking operations, illustrating the importance of prompt and efficient reactions by the crews involved. Both vessels have since been secured, and normal operations at the port have resumed.

For more details on the Discovery Princess and related incidents, visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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