High Waves Damage 14 Cars on Ferry to La Palma

The Friday evening crossing from Los Cristianos on Tenerife to Santa Cruz de La Palma on April 10 turned into a rough ride for passengers aboard a Fred Olsen Express ferry. Northwesterly swell with waves reaching up to four metres struck the vessel in open water, causing significant pitching and rolling.

14 Vehicles Shifted and Damaged

The result: on the vehicle deck, 14 cars were displaced. Some shifted by up to 30 centimetres, colliding with neighbouring vehicles and sustaining visible damage — mainly to bumpers and side panels. Passengers who went down to the garage deck after docking in Santa Cruz de La Palma found their cars no longer in their original positions. Photographs sent by travellers to local media clearly show the displacements and scratches.

No one was injured in the incident.

Storm Brings Rough Seas

The incident is linked to the current weather situation across the Canary Islands. AEMET has issued warnings for coastal phenomena and heavy swell on several islands. Northerly swells and onshore waves are making ferry crossings particularly challenging in recent days — especially on the Tenerife to La Palma route, which runs across the prevailing swell direction.

Fred Olsen Express: Damage Claims from Monday

The shipping company Fred Olsen Express will contact affected passengers from Monday to begin the claims process. Travellers whose vehicles were damaged should photograph all damage and await contact from the company.

Fred Olsen Express had not altered the schedule at the time of the incident — the vessel was operating as planned. The company has protocols for rough-weather crossings, including reduced speed and additional safety instructions.