British Mother and Son Stranded on Cruise Ship in Dubai Amid Missile Attacks
A British mother has expressed her profound anxiety and fear after being stranded on a cruise ship in Dubai for nearly a week with her three-year-old son, as missiles fly overhead. Emily Kingsley, 33, from Wiltshire, is aboard the MSC Euribia, docked at Rashid port, and described feeling 'filled with anxiety and scared' that she cannot return home to her two other daughters, aged nine and ten, who are with their grandparents.
Trapped on the Liner with No Escape
Mrs. Kingsley, who boarded the cruise with her husband and son last Saturday, has not left the ship since. The captain has instructed passengers to stay near the terminal area due to the ongoing missile threats. She reported witnessing missiles being intercepted above, black smoke clouds, loud bangs, and explosions, with emergency alerts adding to the distress. Her son is restless and eager to disembark, but safety concerns keep them confined.
Their flight home, scheduled for Saturday, was canceled, leaving the family uncertain about when they can return. Mrs. Kingsley lamented the lack of information from Emirates, noting that calls and live chats disconnect due to high demand. Despite the turmoil, she praised the ship's staff for their care, though humorously mentioned that the casino closure has annoyed many guests.
Other Brits Facing Similar Nightmares
Emma Hudson, 43, from Middlesbrough, is also stranded in the UAE since Saturday after her British Airways flight was canceled. Iranian attacks forced Dubai Airport to close, trapping her, her husband Paul, 41, and daughter Sadie, 14, in their hotel. The family is 'traumatized' by missile interceptions and had to seek shelter in a basement. Emma claimed British Airways advised her to go to the bombed airport for accommodation help, costing £350 daily, not covered by insurance due to war exclusions.
The British Embassy told her to 'stay inside' and seek aid from local charities. Emma criticized the airline and government for failing to assist, highlighting her daughter's anxiety. Their rebooked flight on March 4 was also canceled, with the earliest available on March 9.
Couple Stuck in Thailand Due to Conflict
Laura and Paul Webster, from Birmingham, are stranded in Phuket, Thailand, after their Emirates flight via Dubai was canceled due to the Middle East conflict. Their travel agent reported no available flights for two weeks, leaving them miles from their children in the UK. Mrs. Webster, 40, expressed desperation to return for work and family, noting that many others in their hotel face similar predicaments. Insurance does not cover war-related issues, making it a 'holiday from hell.'
Airlines and Authorities Respond
Emirates has announced a reduced flight schedule, accepting transit passengers only if connecting flights operate. British Airways has been approached for comment regarding Emma Hudson's case. The ongoing conflict has created widespread travel chaos, with families urging more support from airlines and the government to facilitate their safe return home.
