operation is a success. crew on board viking sky have issued passengers with life vests. those that have been rescued are being accommodated in local hotels. very frightening. we went up on a helicopter with a sling, the two of us together and it was quite scary. a freighter which was trying to help the cruise ship also got into trouble. it sent a mayday signal because of engine problems. the cruise ship is currently moving away from the shore very slowly in an attempt to get into calmer waters. helicopters will continue to rescue passengers but, in high winds, this is a stressful and complex operation. eliza philippidis, bbc news. earlier, i spoke with kelsey leighton, whose parents mark and nancy are onboard the viking sky, and have been updating her every hour on the situation. yes, they have been in pretty constant contact with us via text message, you know, unfortunately because they don't have any battery,