Dozens of Disney Cruise Line workers in the Northwest Bahamas rode out hurricane Dorian on the company’s private island–Castaway Cay.
The company said in a statement: “Many of our guests have asked questions about Castaway Cay. Some of our Crew remained on the island and their care and safety is our highest priority. We are in regular contact with island leadership, who is making sure our Crew is well taken care of in our storm shelter, which is designed for these types of situations and has restrooms, power and is well stocked with food and water. Castaway Cay remains south of the more significant weather and is currently experiencing tropical storm force winds, which based on the current forecast, are expected for the next several hours before gradually diminishing. Our thoughts are with the people in areas of The Bahamas that are being impacted by this storm and we stand ready to contribute to recovery efforts.”
Meg Green, a sister of a Disney worker, wrote on Twitter, “My sister is stuck in the middle of a Cat 5 hurricane. We were told they would evacuate and they didn’t. Left them behind!! Why??” Adding, “Remember that time [Disney Cruises] left 97 employees on a tiny island in a Catagory 5 hurricane? I do.”
“They shouldn’t be in that situation. Why risk the lives of 97 staff members? They had plenty of time to evacuate, but the decision was made to stay
“They were stuck and had faith in being evacuated. Families had faith, but you did nothing to get them off.
“We don’t know why they would risk the safety of the staff in such a manner.”
My sister is stuck in the middle of a cat 5 hurricane. We were told they would evacuate and they didn’t. Left them behind!! Why?? #disney #HurricaneDorian #Dorian2019 #hurricane #castawaycrew pic.twitter.com/0z9awoWbsr
— Meg Green (@dm_meg) September 1, 2019
Disney Cruises wrote on their website, “We continue to closely monitor the path and progress of Hurricane Dorian to ensure our guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm. The safety of our guests and crew is always our foremost concern. Since all tropical storms and hurricanes are inherently unpredictable, our plans may change from day to day based on the most current information.”
It is believed all workers survived the storm.
Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas which serves as an exclusive port for the Disney Cruise Line ships. It is located near Great Abaco Island and was formerly known as Gorda Cay.
