Two cruise ships collide in Mexico forcing passengers to evacuate

Slow-motion collision left gaping hole in rear of giant cruise liner

At least six passengers have been injured in a dramatic crash between two huge Carnival cruise ships in Mexico, where shocked onlookers filmed the low-speed collision.

In a statement, the company said that the Carnival Glory vessel collided with the Carnival Legend near a Cozumel resort as the Glory manoeuvred to dock and accidentally "made contact" with the Legend that was motionless alongside it.

Video footage from several sources shows the 952-feet-long Glory inching towards the Legend for several seconds before the rear of its starboard side brushes the Legend's stern.

Upon impact, the Glory drags along the Legend's stern for 20 seconds, slowly cutting open a massive gash on the rear of the Glory.

Carnival said six passengers came to the Glory's medical centre for evaluation for minor injuries.

The company added it was assessing damage to the liners but there were "no issues that impact the seaworthiness of either ship".

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According to reports, Glory passengers said on-board announcements blamed currents and high winds for the crash.

The company said travellers' itineraries won't be affected and "advised guests from both ships to enjoy their day ashore in Cozumel".

Carnival's Glory is based in New Orleans, and the Legend is based out of Tampa, Florida. It departed from Tampa on 15 December.

The Legend can carry up to 2,124 passengers, while the Glory can hold 2,980, according to the cruise line.