This is the moment sick passengers are airlifted from a luxury cruise ship as it lies stranded off the coast of Florida - while Hurricane Milton sweeps in.
The Sun Princess, which set off from Southampton just 16 days ago, was due to dock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, tomorrow morning but was turned away because of the storm.
It is now stationed five miles off the American coast, as the mainland prepares for floodwaters to reach heights of 15feet - taller than a double decker bus - and residents have been ordered to 'flee or die'.
Stunning footage of the helicopter rescue shows people being winched into the craft as it hovers above the waiting ship.
As the camera pans, lines of anxious passengers can be seen crowding the deck as they watch on, while the coast of Florida can be seen on the horizon, shrouded by storm clouds.
Stunning footage of the helicopter rescue shows people being winched into the craft as it hovers above the waiting ship
The Sun Princess, which set off from Southampton just 16 days ago, was due to dock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, tomorrow morning but was turned away because of the storm
Sick passengers were airlifted from the luxury cruise ship as it lies stranded off the coast of Florida
Lines of anxious passengers can be seen crowding the deck as they watch on, while the coast of Florida can be seen on the horizon, shrouded by storm clouds
In an announcement broadcast to passengers, the Sun Princess said that they would be staying away from any dangerous weather to prioritise the safety of those on board. Pictured: In Southampton on September 21
Forecasters warn Milton is 'expected to grow in size' and remain 'an extremely dangerous hurricane' when it makes landfall in the US tomorrow
Hurricane Milton, currently a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane with winds of 155 mph, continues to churn across the Gulf of Mexico heading for Florida, shown on the GOES-East satellite at 10:09 GMT, October 8, 2024
In an announcement broadcast to passengers, the Sun Princess said that they would be staying away from any dangerous weather to prioritise the safety of those on board.
It comes as drivers remain sitting in standstill traffic as the state's major highways are clogged with miles-long lines of cars trying to flee the line of danger. Traffic is jammed both north and southbound as locals seek shelter out-of-state and in Miami.
The window has also nearly closed for people to escape the region by plane as airports in Tampa, St Petersburg and Orlando have already started shutting down and grounding flights. Thousands of British tourists are now battling hurricane chaos as Milton threatens to devastate much of the gulf coast.
Residents who have accepted they won't be able to flee and are preparing to hunker down, have begun panic buying supplies, stripping store shelves of bottled water, toilet paper and other household necessities. Home owners are already on the guard against theives - with one sign in New Port Richey, just north of Tampa on Florida's Gulf Coast, emblazoned with :'You loot, we shoot on sight'.
Those who are still desperate to escape and follow evacuation orders say it may be too 'dangerous' to hit the roads because local gas stations have run out of fuel. However, Governor Ron DeSantis this morning assured residents that there's enough fuel for them to get away from the storm.
Milton was so strong overnight that experts called for it to be given unprecedented Category 6 status, however the hurricane was downgraded to a Category 4 early this morning. Forecasters warn Milton is 'expected to grow in size' and remain 'an extremely dangerous hurricane' when it makes landfall tomorrow.
The storm expanded this morning as it hurtled over the Gulf of Mexico towards Tampa - making it potentially 'one of the most destructive hurricanes on record' for west-central Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The hurricane's 155mph winds are becoming more wide-reaching from the center of the storm - vastly increasing its capacity to cause widespread destruction.
Dubbed the 'Next Level Love Boat', Princess Cruises' largest and most luxurious ship features a Signature Collection of 50 suites with access to a private lounge, restaurant and area in the adults-only Sanctuary on the sun deck..
The Sun Princess caters for 4,300 guests with a crew of 1,600, and last set sail from Southampton with the conclusion of its trip in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Pictured: In Portland Port, England
Destroyed furniture and personal items from Hurricane Helene flooding sit piled outside mobile homes in the Sandpiper Resort Co-op
A stretch of Bradenton Beach, Fla, that is still recovering from flooding and damage from Hurricane Helene is seen ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton on Anna Maria Island
Milton is creeping towards Florida, sucking energy from the Gulf of Mexico's warm water
Milton is creeping towards Florida, sucking energy from the Gulf of Mexico's warm water
A message board at the Tampa International Airport shows all American Airlines departing flight canceled Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla., due to the possible arrival of Hurricane Milton
The Sun Princess caters for 4,300 guests with a crew of 1,600, and last set sail from Southampton with the conclusion of its trip in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Florida is a popular destination for UK tourists, with over a million typically travelling there annual for attractions including Disney World.
Universal's Orlando Resort has cancelled a number of events over the coming week - with Volcano Bay closed tomorrow and on Thursday, alongside the Halloween Horror Nights. Their hotels intend to remain fully operational. SeaWorld Orlando also said it would close on Wednesday and Thursday.
The theme parks join Orlando International Airport, which said it would cease operations Wednesday morning. The airport is the nation's seventh busiest and Florida's most trafficked.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World said it was operating under normal conditions and planned, for now, only to close its campgrounds and rental cabins in wooded areas. The theme park said it would continue monitoring the weather and adjust accordingly.
The only indication at Disney Springs that a hurricane was coming was the closure of a hot air balloon ride. 'Closed due to hurricane,' an electronic sign read. 'Stay safe.'
All the other stores and restaurants in the outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex inside the resort were open and doing brisk business.
The Orlando area is the most visited destination in the United States due to Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and other theme parks, attracting 74 million tourists last year alone.
One couple from Essex, who say they 'love anything Disney and Universal', said that they were going to brave the 'worrying' flight from Heathrow during a hurricane. They added that they had 'taken all cautions that needed to be taken'
But Floridians reacted in fury towards Dan and Terry, who said they would be vlogging their 16-day adventure
In groups for fans of Disney's Florida resort, Brits were advised on how to prep for a hurricane while others spoke of their horror as they struggled to get home
October is also among the busier times for theme parks because of Halloween-related celebrations, which have become major money generators over the past couple decades. Universal Orlando hosts 'Halloween Horror Nights,' with ghoulish haunted houses based on slasher films and other pop culture horror, and Disney has its tamer 'Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.'
While Disney rarely shuts its doors - save for dangerous hurricanes in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Sept. 11 attacks - its hotels are often havens for coastal residents fleeing impending storms. A check of Disney World's online reservation system on Tuesday morning showed no vacancies.
Those lucky enough to get a hotel reservation have gotten unexpected treats during past storms. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, guests at a hotel on Disney property found themselves stranded with actress Kristen Bell, who voiced the role of Anna in the beloved Disney film, 'Frozen.' While in Orlando, the actress found time to sing songs for evacuees at a nearby hurricane shelter.
Once a hurricane passes, the theme parks try to return operations to normal as quickly as possible. After Hurricane Charley charted a devastating path through Orlando in 2004, Disney World had utility vehicles picking up downed tree limbs and clearing roads on its property within an hour in the pitch-dark night.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has urged Brits to flee, as they say they are monitoring the weather system. An spokesperson said: 'We are closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Milton towards the United States. We urge all British nationals in Florida or travelling to the region to follow travel advice and guidance from local authorities.'
British tourists have been warned to stay at home by furious Florida residents as the hurricane approaches - with desperate locals branding travelers 'selfish' amid 'flee or die' warnings that have forced them to evacuate their homes.
One couple from Essex, who say they 'love anything Disney and Universal', said that they were going to brave the 'worrying' flight from Heathrow during a hurricane. They added that they had 'taken all cautions that needed to be taken'.
But Floridians reacted in fury towards Dan and Terry, who said they would be vlogging their 16-day adventure.
Clara Chapman, a longtime resident, prepares to evacuate from her home ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton in New Port Richey, Florida
Michael Mims boards up his home in advance of Hurricane Milton in Fort Myers, Florida
Sandra White prepares to evacuate from her home with her partner Scott Pepperman, and their dog Buoy ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton in New Port Richey, Florida
A sign on a home lists hurricane names as they board up windows in preparation for Hurricane Milton
Scott Pepperman (L), and his son Cobi move a trailer while preparing to evacuate from their home ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton in New Port Richey, Florida
Cobi Pepperman helps his father load belongings in a U-Haul truck while preparing to evacuate from their home ahead of Hurricane Milton in New Port Richey, Florida
Caley Kennedy, said: 'I would not recommend coming right now. We've got our own people to worry about.'
Another, Erin Dowding, replied in capitals - saying: 'DO NOT COME.'
She continued: Why would you come into a devastating hurricane that is going to do so much damage in our state and expect us to shelter tourists and then accommodate them after.
'Just wait a week and see if it's ok to come. Selfish.'
And a third, Amy Michelle, said: 'Are people really that dumb? Flying into a hurricane? Stay at home! At least until the weekend when everything passes.'
Dan and Terry - who are parents to six cats - later posted a photo from the plane, with the caption 'We're off'. They have since landed - telling their fans 'We're Home'.
In groups for fans of Disney's Florida resort, Brits were advised on how to prep for a hurricane while others spoke of their horror as they struggled to get home.
Tampa Bay has not been hit directly by a major hurricane since 1921, and authorities fear luck is about to run out for the region and its 3.3 million residents.
People evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected mid-week landfall in Sanford, Florida
Lightening strikes over Cancun as Hurricane Milton rolls through Mexico today
'This is the real deal here with Milton,' Tampa Mayor Jane Castor told a Monday news conference. 'If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100 per cent of the time.'
Milton's gales extended around 80 miles from the eye of the storm through Monday, and this increased to just over 100 miles by Wednesday morning.
'Milton is still a relatively compact hurricane, but the wind field is expected to continue to grow in size as it approaches Florida,' the National Hurricane Center said.
'In fact, the official forecast shows the hurricane and tropical-storm-force winds roughly doubling in size by the time it makes landfall.'
The storm center is expected to come ashore Wednesday in the Tampa Bay area, which has not endured a direct hit by a major hurricane in more than a century. Mayor Jane Castor issued a stark warning to residents yesterday that if they don't evacuate, 'you are going to die'.
Locals have taken to social media, detailing their fears as they struggle to evacuate from communities located in Milton's expected direct path.
Sharing drone footage of clogged traffic along I-75 between Morris Bridge and Bruce B Downs on Monday, one X user said: 'This is why a lot of people are staying behind, at a certain point traffic is so bad you cannot get out of Florida, or there's no gas. So you're stuck outside of Gainesville.'
One woman, whose son lives in Hernando County, said that he is trapped.
A man walks through floodwaters after Hurricane Milton caused huge rains as it hit Mexico on its wait to the US
Almost the entirety of Florida's west coast is under hurricane warning this morning as Milton and its 155mph winds creep toward the state
A closed business is seen after Hurricane Helene ahead of Hurricane Milton's arrival in Treasure Island, Florida
David Jalving throws outdoor furniture in his father's pool in advance of Hurricane Milton in Fort Myers, Florida. The house was damaged during Hurricane Ian and flooded recently during Hurricane Helene
Contractors haul away debris left by Hurricane Helene along the roadside, as residents in New Port Richey prepare to evacuate ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Florida
A threatening sign warns looters on a garage door taped with plastic and sand bags in preparation for Hurricane Milton
'Everywhere is out of gas and roads are too backed up for him to [evacuate],' she tweeted. 'He has family in Georgia but can't get there. This is scary. He is scared. I am terrified for him.'
The concerned mother added that her son's community was also among those flooded by Hurricane Helene last week. She said: 'Now Milton is heading for them.'
But DeSantis tried to ease fears this morning, saying during a press conference: 'There is no fuel shortage. Fuel continues to arrive in the state of Florida.'
Despite the long lines at gas stations, DeSantis said officials are working with fuel companies to continue bringing in gasoline.
'You do not have to get on the interstate and go far away,' he added. 'You can evacuate tens of miles; you do not have to evacuate hundreds of miles away. You do have options.'
He added that Florida has helped evacuate more than 200 health care facilities in Milton's path and that 36 county-run shelters are open.
Still, multiple people have also shared anecdotes on X detailing their fears and claiming they are unable to afford the cost of either driving or flying their way out of the state.
'I've had two people in the last HOUR tell me they can't afford to evacuate for Hurricane Milton. Never tell me low wages aren't violent ever again,' one user on X posted.
A woman carrying a child walks through floodwaters after Hurricane Milton brought heavy rain to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on its way to Florida
Boats are secured in the overflow of a river after Hurricane Milton hit Celestun, Mexico with heavy rain on its way to Florida
A contractor walks by debris left by Hurricane Helene along the roadside, as residents prepare to evacuate ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton in New Port Richey, Florida
A Sarasota resident also claimed they were struggling to get out of the storm's way.
'I live in Sarasota, which is in the direct path of Hurricane Milton. They are evacuating my town, but there is no gas left to evacuate, and traffic is so bad that it could be more dangerous to try and evacuate at this point. What would you do if you were me?'
DeSantis said the state would activate 8,000 National Guard members and is positioning truckloads of supplies and equipment near the area where the storm is expected to make landfall.
Meanwhile, the Fort Myers/Naples/Cape Coral area of Florida on the I-75 towards Miami was almost at a standstill Tuesday morning as people tried to flee. Similar scenes are also playing out on the I-4 towards Orlando and the NB I-75 out of Tampa.
Tampa's airport closed indefinitely from 9am Tuesday, meaning residents can no longer evacuate by plane. The airport posted on X that it is not a shelter for people or their cars.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport said it is in a mandatory evacuation zone and will close after the last flight leaves today.
Delta Air Lines ran out of flights from Tampa to Atlanta at 10.30am Monday, with customers having to pay more than $800 for a roundabout flight to Washington DC instead.
Meanwhile, American Airlines was selling flights from Tampa to Atlanta yesterday for between $641 and $2,400, with only a couple of seats remaining on each plane.
Princess Cruises have been contacted for comment.
