Queen Victoria crashes into dock in Malta

The 96,000 tonne cruise ship was docking in the Maltese Grand Harbour of Valletta when it crashed into the concrete dockside.

Passengers looked on in horror was the stern of the ship reversed at what was described as "some speed" before crashing into the dockside.

It has been reported that the ship's throttle suffered a temporary failure.

According to eye-witnesses the crash caused a 20ft long dent in the rear of the ship. One passenger said: "We were reversing back and being at the back of the ship we could see what was going to happen before it did.

"We couldn't believe it. Seeing the 90,000 tonne ship back into the dock was incredible. The concrete exploded with the force of the impact. It is very embarrassing.

"We don't know if we can continue with the cruise, I think they are assessing the damage now."

Queen Victoria was named in Southampton in December of last year by the Duchess of Cornwall but when Camilla swung the traditional bottle of champagne against the side of the vessel it refused to break which was seen by some suspicious seafarers as an omen of bad luck.

An urgent examination is now underway by marine engineers to establish whether Queen Victoria will be able continue with her voyage or be forced to cancel the remaining part of the cruise.

"Experts are now assessing the damage to the ship and we will not known until later today how serious the damage is to the ship,'' said a Cunard spokesman.

"Queen Victoria came in contact with the dockside as she was berthing this morning in Malta as part of a 14-night voyage due to finish back in Southampton on Tuesday, May 20.'' Passengers on the Mediterranean Delights cruise could have paid up to £20,000 a person for the most luxurious suite on Queen Victoria for the voyage which started on Tuesday, May 6 in Southampton.

Before she called at the Maltese capital of Valletta the ship had previously been in Naples with stop in Tunisia scheduled for tomorrow.