Watch: P&O cruise ship crashes into cargo ship during storm in Mallorca

Tourists flee severe storms in Mallorca

Talking to the BBC, passenger Gavin McCoy said that around 11:00 BST «all of a sudden» rain and storm tore us from the berths, breaking the tether lines, water hoses and causing the walkway to fall into the sea.”

“We were blown away from the pier and collided with a nearby freighter,” he added.

Mr McCoy said that everyone was safe and «there were no problems on the ship, except for a few scratches and bumps on one or more lifeboats protruding from the water.» ship.»

Winds in the Balearic Islands reached 75 miles per hour, and heavy rain led to the cancellation of more than 20 flights.

It is reported that at the airport of Palma de Mallorca reigned » chaos». Frustrated passengers were left homeless and with limited choice of alternative flights.

Some customers were sent by airlines to nearby hotels only to find that no bookings had been made.

Weather warnings for part of the territory extended until Monday.

A spokesman for P&O Cruises said they were «aware of the incident with Britain on Sunday morning» and «worked to assess the situation»

Passengers will have access to on-board entertainment and activities while technical teams evaluate the ship, P&O said.

The cruise should return to Southampton on September 1.