Carnival Splendor Saves Stranded Sailors Off New Caledonia
A cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line has made headlines this week after successfully rescuing the occupants of a small pleasure catamaran that became disabled off the coast of New Caledonia. The vessel, Carnival Splendor, homeported in Sydney, Australia, was on an eight-night round trip cruise between Vanuatu and New Caledonia when the incident occurred.
On Wednesday, May 21, just after midnight local time, the maritime rescue coordination centre in Noumea alerted the crew of Carnival Splendor to a distress call from the catamaran. The boat's occupants reported serious issues with their vessel, stating that their mast had broken and the engine had failed, leaving them adrift in rough seas.
In a swift response, the Carnival Splendor embarked on a course towards the distress signal. Approximately five hours later, the cruise ship reached the catamaran's last known position and successfully executed the rescue, bringing aboard four stranded individuals and three dogs.
The rescued group consisted of an international mix of nationals, including Australian, German, and Italian citizens. Notably, two members of the group, a couple named Dusty and Helena, are bloggers who share their adventures on their YouTube channel, Sailing Barking Cat. They were sailing around the world, planning to cross the Australian coast before heading to Fiji. Fortunately, both humans and canines were reported to be in good condition upon their rescue.
The Carnival Cruise Line team ensured that the rescued sailors received food, water, and medical assistance while they were welcomed aboard. A spokeswoman for Carnival highlighted the importance of responding quickly to emergencies on the open water, noting, "It is always our priority to assist those in distress at sea, and we are thankful our team was at the right place at the right time."
The Carnival Splendor had set sail from Sydney on May 19 and is expected to continue its voyage, stopping at the beautiful Mystery Island in Vanuatu prior to heading to Noumea. Upon arrival in Noumea, the rescued sailors will disembark alongside their canine companions, further adding a unique chapter to their adventurous sailing saga.
Maritime law mandates that the nearest vessel to a distress call must respond, a responsibility that Carnival Splendor fulfilled magnificently in this instance. The successful operation not only highlights the vital role of cruise ships in maritime rescues but also showcases the camaraderie of seafaring communities across the globe.
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