A P&O cruise ship was sent to attack an oil tanker off Majorca amid extreme storms and gale-force winds.
British passengers on board were injured in the terrifying collision and thousands of holidaymakers face being stranded after the Brittania broke her moorings.
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Strong gales caused the Brittania to hit an oil tanker
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Witnesses said the side of the boat was “smashed” in the crash Credit: Media Wales
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Passengers stranded in Majorca after storm causes disconnection of their cruise ship Credit: TNI Press
It was seen drifting from its dock in Palma, Mallorca, before crashing into an oil tanker docked next to it.
Tugs are scrambling to moor the 140,000-tonne vessel amid 10ft waves and brutal gusts of wind that battered the Media Islands today.
Passengers reported that the captain ordered the entire crew to their muster stations and warned them that “this is not a drill,” reports Wales Online.
There are fears that the ship may not be able to sail as witnesses claim that the side of the ship was “battered” in the accident.
A P&O spokesman said: “On Sunday 27 August, P&O Cruises Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while in Palma de Mallorca.
“A small number of people suffered minor physical injuries and were treated at the medical center on board.
“To allow our technical teams to make an assessment, Britannia will remain in Palma de Mallorca tonight with entertainment and activities planned.”
It comes after severe weather warnings were issued across the Balearic hotspots of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera on Sunday.
The 112 emergency service in the Balearic Islands reported 84 storm-related incidents in Mallorca within an hour, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.
Beachgoers have been running for their lives as sunbeds and umbrellas have been thrown across the shore since the terrifying storm hit around 11am.
Debris from the storm was filmed flying through the air as palm trees struggled to stay rooted and rushing water flooded the streets.
The windows of local shops were devastated by the storm, which scattered stalls and market supplies on the streets.
Trees were uprooted and basements flooded, while a pregnant woman was injured by a falling sign.
In another disturbing clip, a woman with a young child can be seen hiding behind a car as a thunderstorm rages around them.
Shocking footage also showed poolside furniture being tossed around in gale-force winds and people running through heavy rain.
One video shared by BBC NI meteorologist Barra Best shows beach structure being lifted by gusty winds and slamming into the balconies of tourists at a coastal hotel in Mallorca.
“Severe” orange warnings are in place for 55mph winds and more than two inches of rain an hour on the islands – which are packed with thousands of sun-seeking Brits hoping to catch some last-minute summer sunshine.
Sea warnings are in place around the island with dangerous waves of 10 feet expected.
And the dangerous weather will continue into this evening and overnight.
Temperatures are struggling to climb to 20C – the same temperature is forecast in Kent today.
And the bad weather will continue tomorrow with warnings of moderate rain and wind on all four islands.
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Severe weather warnings are in place for the Balearic Islands as 55 mph gusts hit the islands Credit: Meteoblue
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The footage shows the 140,000-tonne ship before it hits the tanker
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