The former P&O Cruises ship Spirit of London has capsized off the coast of Thailand. Now named Ocean Dream, the 17,042gt/1972 built ship, which also sailed with Princess Cruises as the Sun Princess, had been anchored off Thailand for over a year after her Chinese owners seemingly abandoned her.

The local authorities contacted the Shipowner several times, requesting the removal of the vessel from Thailand waters, but without any response. Just 2 weeks beforehand the ship was noted at anchor with several shell doors open in her hull just above the water line (above).

It is perhaps not surprising that an already poorly maintained ship later capsized and sank off Laem Chebang Port on 27th February where she remains partially submerged. The local authorities monitored the wreck for any oil leaks and water pollution whilst also opening a lawsuit against the Shipowner for the costs of a salvage operation.

The once proud ship was originally ordered in 1970 by Norwegian Caribbean Line as the Seaward. The shipyard encountered financial issues and was consequently taken over by the IRI Group, who cancelled the building contract. After much protest from NCL the IRI Group agreed to partially complete the vessel. Despite this the owner sold the hull to P&O, who completed it as the Spirit of London.

After serving as the Sun Princess 1974-1988 the vessel became the Starship Majestic (then Majestic), then the Southern Cross 1995-1998, Flamenco 1997-2004 (Festival Cruises), New Flamenco 2004-2008 (Cruise Elysia), Flamenco 1 2008-2010 (Club Cruise) before finally becoming the Ocean Dream in 2012 for Runfeng Ocean Deluxe Cruises. The ship passed to Ocean Dream Cruise (Thailand) Co. Ltd. in 2013 with an end to her career following 3 years later.