An investigation has found that an 85-year-old British Saga cruise passenger died after receiving 'suboptimal' care following a severe spinal injury sustained during a storm. Trevor Gilks was thrown from his chair when the Saga Spirit of Discovery encountered force 11 winds in the Bay of Biscay on November 4, 2023, leading to over 100 injuries among passengers.
Mr Gilks, who was on holiday with his wheelchair-using wife, was quickly helped back into his chair by a nurse and given a neck collar. However, investigators said he was placed on a bed in the medical centre rather than a spinal board, which is standard practice for suspected spinal injuries. X-rays emailed to a radiologist on shore were unclear, and the radiologist could not determine if Mr Gilks had injured his cervical spine.
Days later, Mr Gilks complained of tingling in his limbs and lost feeling in his legs. On November 6, a doctor expressed concern that he needed evacuation due to the risk of paralysis. However, the captain decided it was safer for him to remain on board until the ship reached Portsmouth that evening, given the risks of a helicopter transfer in rough conditions. He was taken to hospital by ambulance but died on November 8 from a complete cervical spine injury.
The Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) report stated: 'Delay in identifying that a passenger had suffered a severe spinal injury led to him receiving suboptimal treatment that may have affected the severity of his injury.' The report also noted that the captain's decision to cross the Bay of Biscay in high seas was 'not effectively challenged' by crew and shore teams, despite weather providers advising against the crossing. During the voyage, the ship lost propulsion due to violent movements causing the propellers to overspeed and shut down.
Saga Cruises apologised, saying: 'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Gilks... Safety is our number one priority.' The MAIB made recommendations, including that cruise ships be fitted with electronic stability measurement devices. Chief inspector Rob Loder urged the cruise industry to learn lessons from the accident.
