Two passengers were killed when nine-metre waves crashed unexpectedly into the side of their cruise ship, CNN reported on March 4.

The ‘Louis Majesty’, operated by Greece’s Louis Cruise Lines, was off the French port of Marseille when it was hit by the waves which smashed five windows in public areas. Two passengers, one German and one Italian, were killed. Fourteen passengers sustained minor injuries.

There were 1,350 passengers and 580 crew on board.

The vessel, which sails under the Maltese flag, was travelling from Barcelona (Spain) to Genoa (Italy). After the incident, the vessel turned around and headed back to Barcelona.