Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescues stranded group aboard ramshackle raft near Cuba: ‘Falling apart’
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship spotted a group of people in desperate need on a crumbling raft drifting in the waters between Mexico and Cuba over the weekend.
The Enchantment of the Seas was sailing west through the Yucatan Channel on Sunday evening when the crew noticed the distressed travelers on their makeshift vessel, according to NBC News. The raft looked barely holding together, with pieces breaking off and about 10 people aboard.
“Our crew identified individuals in distress in international waters, provided medical care to those who were rescued, and worked closely with the Mexican Coast Guard,” Royal Caribbean Group said in a statement.
Passenger Jeffrey Walker, 40, and his family caught sight of a small white flashing light while walking along the 990-foot ship’s promenade. “The ship started to turn and the captain announced that we were going to investigate if they needed help,” Walker told NBC News.
As the cruise ship got closer, it became obvious the raft was falling apart fast. The crew first sent out two drones to assess the situation and make sure it was safe. Then, they launched a lifeboat to bring everyone aboard.
Walker even captured the tense rescue moment on video, which he shared on Facebook, showing the lifeboat edging toward the swaying raft.
In the end, all the people made it safely onto the Enchantment of the Seas. The captain later told passengers that everyone was in good health after getting medical checks.
“It was a very surreal, very exciting, very scary thing all at once,” Walker said. “Their raft didn’t have much time left. Our ship wasn’t even supposed to be there,” he added, explaining that the five-day cruise itinerary had shifted off course because of Hurricane Imelda.
Royal Caribbean didn’t respond to requests for more details by publication time. This migrant rescue at sea highlights how unexpected detours can sometimes turn into life-saving missions in busy shipping lanes like the Yucatan Channel.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
