A MAN died after the windows of the cruise ship he was travelling on collapsed after being hit by a "phenomenal" wave.

The Bahamas and Maritime Authority’s report into the incident aboard the Marco Polo in February, said passengers had noticed a number of windows with leaks or rust stains on them.

The ship, which was heading for Tilbury, was hit by a large wave at 1pm on February 14.

James Swinstead, 85, of Colchester, was in a restaurant on the ship with his wife when the wave struck.

It forced two windows from their fittings and smashed two others.

The authority’s report said, according to doctor’s notes, Mr Swinstead was hit by one of these two windows and died a short time after.

Around 16 passengers and crew were also injured by flying glass.

The report said there had been weak risk assessment in protecting the restaurant windows with covers to prevent storm damage.

However, it said the sea during that time was "phenomenal", with waves higher than 14m.

It said the ship's speed and course were "actively managed" but that storm conditions were "significantly more intense and vigorous than forecast".

Cruise and Maritime Voyages, which runs the Marco Polo, said: “In the operation of all our vessels, the health and safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance to us and we pride ourselves on the rigorous safety culture we enforce at every level.

“In light of this we are, of course, considering the report of the Bahamas Maritime Authority and the recommendations it contains to see if these may be improved even further.”

It added: “Any injury or loss of life to our passengers is a matter of the highest concern to us and while we are saddened by the events of 14 February, we remain satisfied that all possible and reasonable safety measures had been taken both in terms of the condition and maintenance of the vessel, and in respect of the qualification and expertise of the crew.

“The cause of this tragic incident was the unpredicted and exceptional extremity of the weather conditions.

“These conclusions are borne out by the findings of the BMA report, and we are continuing to review this to identify, where possible, areas where we can improve our already high levels of safety as part of our on-going programme of safety improvements.”