Rescue operation on South Pacific seas as stranded cruise ship passengers and their pets are successfully evacuated from a breakdown catamaran.
Carnival Cruise Line's ship, the Carnival Splendor, saved four people and their three dogs from a stricken catamaran in the South Pacific on Thursday morning, marking the second rescue operation by the cruise line in the region this month.
In a distressing situation, the catamaran, which had lost its mast and engines, was battered by huge waves and hit by lightning in treacherous conditions. One of the rescued passengers recounted their ordeal, stating, "We were stuck in an exposed position, with a 4-5 meter swell, 30-40 knot winds, and caught in a massive lightning storm. We were dead in the water, 170 nautical miles off of New Caledonia with three puppies."
The Carnival Splendor, having received an alert from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Nouméa regarding a distress call, altered its course to aid the stranded vessel. The ship reached the catamaran after a five-hour journey south of New Caledonia.
The rescued passengers-two couples and their three dogs-are now receiving food, water, and medical attention aboard the Carnival Splendor. The cruise's 3,300 passengers will continue to visit Mystery Island and Noumea as planned, before returning to Sydney on Tuesday. The Splendor departed Sydney on Monday for an eight-day round trip cruise to Vanuatu and New Caledonia, as stated by Carnival Cruise Line.
This recent rescue follows another operation last week when the Carnival Paradise saved five men from a makeshift raft south of Cuba, according to reports.
The South Pacific rescue marks the second incident this month where Carnival Cruise Line has aided distressed sailors in the region, although further details about the earlier operation are not available in the sources consulted.
In the midst of their ordeal, the rescued passengers expressed their relief, "Thankful for the nutritious food and needed medical care we've received on board the Carnival Splendor." Amidst the tranquil surroundings of the cruise, the passengers are also encouraged to participate in various activities such as watching health-focused videos in the spa or cheering for sports games in the lounge.
