The crew of an island container ship caught in a three-day storm have released photographs that capture the power of the sea.

The Oleander was caught in the first nor’easter storm of the season and endured 70mph winds and 30ft waves.

Barry Brewer, the chief executive officer of Neptune, the Oleander’s owner, said that the captain took the photos when he was on watch during the storm.

He added: “I think it shocks some people when they see some of these photographs because it’s pretty hard to imagine how big the sea really is and how much of a pounding those boats take unless you’re on the ship.

“That’s just Mother Nature and Mother Nature is amazing.”

Mr Brewer explained that nor’easters were caused by cooler air from the Arctic mixing with warmer air, which caused areas of low pressure and storms that travelled along the Gulf Stream.

The crew took several safety precautions during the storm, such as steering clear from its eye and travelling as slowly as three knots.

The cots on the ship, which left Bermuda on Monday and docked in New York yesterday afternoon, were built so that crew members could not fall out while they were asleep.

Mr Brewer said: “We monitor this stuff very, very carefully to keep the vessel safe.

“We’ve been serving Bermuda for over 30 years and after a while you just know what to expect.”

He added: “The importers in Bermuda understand that this is a very difficult job and they have been, and continue to be, very supportive of Bermuda.

“This is our lifeline to the world and keeping the crew safe is critical to Bermuda’s economy.”