Twenty people were hurt and nearly 500 airlifted from the vessel when it ran into difficulties amid poor weather conditions near Molde as the ship travelled from Tromso to Stavanger.

Some 436 guests and 458 crew were on board the ship when it arrived in Molde on Sunday (March 24) after regaining power, with assistance from two supply ships and a tug.

The ship’s next sailing, its Scandinavia and Kiel Canal voyage, which had been scheduled to embark on Wednesday (March 27), has been cancelled. Viking says it does not anticipate further cancellations.

In a statement, the line said it was supporting investigations into the incident.

“We have already begun our own internal investigation and our goal is to establish a complete and thorough understanding of what happened.

“We welcome the investigations that have been launched, and will fully support them. Viking Ocean Cruises will not have any further comments until the investigations have been completed.”

Viking founder and chairman Torstein Hagen added: “The past few days have been stressful and hectic for both guests and crew alike. I would like to personally apologise for what our guests experienced.

“I would also like to say how impressed and grateful I am for the efforts of the national rescue services, rescue personnel, local authorities and the people along the More coast, and thank them for the concern and generosity they have showed our guests.

“I would also like to express my thanks to the crew on board the Viking Sky for their efforts and dedication.”