I was a passenger on the Normandie when it listed over to the port side. My motorcycle was damaged and whilst reporting the damage to the Chief Officer I enquired as to what was the cause of the problem. He advised me that the electronic control to the rudder failed whilst the ship was travelling at 20 knots causing it to list over at 35 degrees !! I am told by a seafaring friend that 45 degrees is the point of no return. The "technical problem" could have been a lot more serious than BF made out. One bike was so badly damaged it was unrideable and BF had to put the couple up in a hotel for the night.
