A Norwegian cruise liner, the MS Maud, faced a harrowing ordeal as it weathered a fierce storm and was temporarily disabled by a rogue wave. Dramatic footage captured the terrifying moments as foamy waves pounded the ship's hull, causing widespread concern amongst the passengers. The vessel, carrying 266 passengers and 131 crew members, experienced intense weather conditions in the North Sea late Thursday, resulting in shattered windows on its bridge.

Tour operator Thorsten Hansen shared a video showcasing the immense power of the waves relentlessly assaulting the MS Maud. Another clip, filmed from an on-board suite, revealed the daunting view of the swell, causing the windows to tilt perilously towards the water after each wave. The incident occurred mid-voyage when the ship abruptly lost power, heightening the anxiety among those on board.

Despite the tumultuous conditions, officials with the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre confirmed that all passengers and crew members aboard the MS Maud were marked safe. The ship is now being towed to Bremerhaven in Germany, ensuring the safety of all on board.

One passenger, Elizabeth Lawrence, shared her frightening experience during the storm. Reflecting upon those critical moments, she stated, "I'll be honest, there was about 20 minutes yesterday where I thought the ship might capsize, it was rolling so heavily, and we didn't have any idea what had happened." Lawrence described the gravity of the situation when orange survival suits were distributed to all passengers, emphasizing the severity of the storm.

To seek refuge from the chaos, Lawrence and her fellow passengers sought shelter between buffet tables, hoping to avoid any potential hazards caused by the ship's violent movements. The situation onboard the MS Maud was undoubtedly nerve-wracking, with passengers clutching onto their personal safety as flying chairs and furniture posed additional risks.

The MS Maud, operated by HX, a unit of Norway's Hurtigruten Group, commenced its journey on Thursday from Floroe in Norway, originally bound for Tilbury in Great Britain. Paying tribute to a renowned polar ship of the 20th century, the MS Maud possesses state-of-the-art technology, making it well-suited for voyages through Norway and the British Isles, as boasted by the cruise line's website.

As the MS Maud is towed to Bremerhaven, passengers and crew members can breathe a sigh of relief, grateful to have emerged from this terrifying ordeal unscathed. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and powerful forces of nature that can transform a leisurely cruise into a test of resilience and survival.