Cruise ship abruptly changes course to rescue people in distressed boat: ‘Knew something’was up

Passengers aboard acruise shipsailing from Texas to Mexico erupted in cheers after the crew rescued four people from a distressed, makeshift boat in the Gulf, the second such rescue involving a Caribbean cruise ship in just days, according to reports.

The Regal Princess was en route fromGalveston to CozumelFeb.23, when crew members responded to a small boat with four people aboard.

“Regal Princess responded to a small vessel in distress and safely rescued four individuals at sea,” the cruise line said in a statement shared with multiple media outlets.

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“All four individuals were brought onboard and were evaluated by the ship’s medical team.Their safety and well-being remain our immediate priority.”

The Regal Princess cruise ship sailing from Texas to Mexico (not pictured) rescued four people from a small boat in distress this week.(Robin Utrecht/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

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Photosshared on social mediashowed what appeared to be four men aboard a small rusted boat constructed of metal and wood, People reported.

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A white sheet or tarp could be seen blowing in the wind as passengers dumped water from the vessel into the sea, according to the posts shared online.

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Some of the travelers onboard said they noticed something unusual when their ship began to change course.

Passengers said their ship changed course (not pictured) before rescuing four people from a makeshift boat that had been taking on water.(Alfredo Martinez/Getty Images)

“We knew something was going on because the ship started turning,” passenger Melody Almogabar Barr told theHouston Chronicle.

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When the ship’s captain announced the rescue was successful, people inside a packed theater began to cheer, said Barr.

The ship had departed Galveston, Texas, Feb.22, and was scheduled to return March 1.(iStock)

“Consistent with internationalmaritime obligations,individuals rescued at sea are cared for onboard and transported to the ship’s next scheduled port stop,” the cruise line reportedly said in its statement.

Ships are required to provide assistance to anyone found at sea in danger, provided doing so does not pose serious risk to the rescuing vessel. 

“Princess Cruises extends its sincere appreciation to thecaptain and crew of Regal Princessfor their swift response, professionalism and unwavering commitment to safety,” the statement said. 

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“Their actions reflect the longstanding maritime tradition and obligation to assist those in distress at sea.”

The shipdeparted GalvestonFeb.22 for a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing, according to CruiseMapper. 

The itinerary included a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, followed by Roatan Island in Honduras;the ship was scheduled to return to Texas March 1.

The rescue was the second in less than a week involving a Mexico-bound Caribbean cruise ship aiding a small vessel in distress.(iStock)

The rescue comes amid other recent incidents in the region. 

On the night of Feb.16, a Carnival Cruise Line ship — alsoon its way to Cozumel— rescued another “small vessel in distress,” according to reports.

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A Carnival Celebration ship brought five people safely onboard as their makeshift boat reportedly began taking on water, Carnival Cruise Line told multiple outlets. 

The U.S.Coast Guardwas notified and provided guidance during the rescue, and the ship continued its seven-day itinerary without disruption.

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