The Design FLAW That Almost SANK the QE2

79,240 views · 1,295 likes · 68 comments · Aug 21, 2026 · 10:01 · Long
Open on YouTube

When an uncontrolled seawater leak erupted in the engine room of the Queen Elizabeth 2 in the middle of the North Atlantic, 2,430 lives hung in the balance. With 105,000 gallons (400 m³) of ocean pouring through a ruptured pipe that couldn't be shut off, the crew faced total free flooding and a dead ship in open water. In this video, we look at how QE2’s engineers fought a desperate race against time to save the world’s most famous ocean liner using sheer ingenuity and an unlikely spare part meant for a watertight door. If you enjoy deep dive maritime investigations and ocean liner history, you can support the channel by checking out my book, The Evolution of the Passenger Ship, or joining as a channel member! — 📚 Buy my books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/ 👕 Buy cruise merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/ 🛳️ My Maritime History Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/ — 🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE (AUS/NZ): https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame From a childhood voyage on Cunard’s QE2 to becoming a leading voice in maritime history, Chris spends many days each year at sea, with a front-row seat to how the cruise industry operates. When it comes to booking his own family cruises, he turns to Travel Masters and The Travel Studio. In Chris’ words: “Their team doesn't just navigate complex, long-distance itineraries; they have even secured cabins that many major booking engines can't find. They’ve been my secret weapon for many years, providing human expertise that I’ve never seen matched. I recommend them to friends and family without hesitation.” This is an affiliate link. By using this booking referral page Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. — 🎥 EQUIPMENT WE USE TO MAKE VIDEOS: Camera - DJI Pocket 3: https://amzn.to/4sG6nc7 DJI Lav Mic: DJI Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/4klRgBA DJI Roaving Mic Transmitter: https://amzn.to/3Qji62Q Voice Over Mic: Audio Technica: https://amzn.to/4ij8myg Apple Ear Buds: https://amzn.to/3QJq0ms MacBook Air: https://amzn.to/3QJqby8 iMac: https://amzn.to/4n8GS26 These are affiliate links meaning we may receive a small commission from any sales. These are affiliate links meaning we may receive a small commission from any sales. — 🗺️ CUSTOM CRUISE MAP: Made using AIS (satellite ship-tracking) data, The Cruise Maps show the exact route. Select your cruise, give your map a title, and we'll do the rest. Use my code "ChrisFrameOfficial" for 10% off at: https://thecruisemaps.com/chrisframeofficial This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it. — 🌍 THE CRUISE GLOBE: Map your own cruises at: https://thecruiseglobe.com?fpr=chrisframe This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it. — Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgk7SzYDkiXWWBfMqXYH0cA/join — Tags: #cruisenews #cruise #cruising #cruiseship #oceanliner #oceanliners -- Music Licenses: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: VFRYLETFWHZICNXY Artist: : Roman Senyk Music I Use: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: EVNGEGTVBXMOSELW Artist: : Benjamin Lazzarus

#Queen Elizabeth 2#QE2#cruise ship disaster#maritime history#ship history#cruise ship#engine room#marine accident#Cunard Line#maritime engineering#unsung heroes#ship disaster#ocean liner#Flooding in engine room on passenger cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2#QE2 survives rough north atlantic crossing#What happened to Cunard in QE2?#What's the worst cruise ship disaster?#What happened to Queen Elizabeth II's ship?#Cunard#Cunard QE2#Queen Mary 2#mike brady

Analytics

We use Google Analytics to count visits and see which pages are popular. It sets cookies and sends your IP address and browsing on this site to Google. You can turn it off at any time.