Video: Carnival cruise ship rescues refugees in distress
Five people were rescued, while several others were given aid but chose to remain on their makeshift vessel.
A western Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Paradise took an unexpected turn on May 14 when the ship’s officers spotted a small boat that appeared to be in distress.
The cruise ship was sailing south of Cuba on its way to Montego Bay, Jamaica from Key West, Florida when it stopped to investigate the situation.
The ship’s crew launched a lifeboat to the adrift vessel and discovered a large group of refugees who were in need of assistance. It’s unclear where the vessel departed from or where it was headed.
Carnival Paradise crew members safely brought five of the refugees on board the cruise ship, and provided assistance to all, but not all of the small boat’s occupants chose to abandon their makeshift vessel, and their journey.
A video posted on YouTube showed the mission in action and captured an onboard announcement explaining how the crew assisted those who chose to remain on their vessel.
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Carnival crew aids refugees who choose to remain on their vessel
“We have sent our team off on a boat to assist as much as we can. Currently, we have taken over some water over to them, and just to find out exactly what else they are needing of; and they’re requesting just water and some fuel to keep on their way,” the onboard announcement explained. “…we are trying our best to see how much, what we can do, and we are going to now take them over a little more water and, of course, some food as well.”
Carnival Cruise Line later issued a statement about the rescue mission.
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"The Carnival Paradise team rescued five people south of Cabo San Antonio, Cuba on Wednesday after the ship's officers spotted a small boat in distress. The five people who requested rescue were part of a larger group on board the small boat. The other occupants did not wish to join the ship but were given food and water by the ship's team. The United States Coast Guard was notified, and a transfer will be coordinated," Carnival said in a statement to FOX 35 News.
What happens when cruise ships rescue refugees?
When a cruise ship rescues anyone in distress at sea, the ship’s crew provides assistance, medical care, and accommodations for the rescued passengers until they can be disembarked from the ship in a place of safety. Usually, this involves transferring them into the custody of local authorities.
Cruise ships abide by maritime law and tradition, which requires the master of a ship at sea to render aid to those in distress without regard to their nationality, status, or the circumstances in which they are found.
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After conducting the rescue, Carnival Paradise continued on its voyage, visiting Montego Bay on May 15 and Grand Cayman on May 16 before its scheduled return to its homeport of Tampa on May 18.
This is not the first time Carnival Paradise has come to the aid of those in peril at sea. Last year, the ship rescued 27 Cuban nationals who were adrift and signaling for assistance while it was cruising from Tampa to Roatan, Honduras. A similar rescue was also conducted in 2022.
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