A powerful storm hammered the cruise ship Carnival Sunshine over the weekend, leaving many passengers terrified as the rough seas rocked the ship and interior hallways began to flood. Bill Hassler, who was on the cruise, talks to CNN This Morning about what he saw.

The Carnival Sunshine was the cruise ship that gained international attention after sailing through a severe storm off the coast of South Carolina in late May 2023. The ship was returning to Charleston from a trip to the Bahamas when it encountered a powerful non-tropical low-pressure system. Passengers captured dramatic video footage of the ship listing heavily, water pouring through hallways, and widespread damage to interior areas, including the crew quarters and public lounges. The storm produced hurricane-force winds and waves estimated to be over 40 feet high. Many passengers reported a "nightmarish" experience, with some suffering minor injuries and many more experiencing severe motion sickness as the ship battled the swells for several hours. The incident led to significant criticism of Carnival Cruise Line’s decision to proceed toward the port despite the weather warnings, and it resulted in several lawsuits from passengers claiming emotional distress and negligence. After arriving in Charleston several hours late, the ship underwent quick inspections and minor repairs before continuing its scheduled service.