Dozens of terrified cruise passengers were left floating in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday after a catamaran they were traveling on sank during an excursion in the Dominican Republic.
Around 55 holidaymakers, who were guests on the German TUI cruise ship Mein Schiff 1, had been taking part in a sailing activity in the bay of Samana when the vessel, named Boca de Yuma I, sprang a leak and quickly began sinking.
Rescue Mission and Investigation
Images from the scene showed numerous tourists bobbing in the sea wearing lifejackets as the yacht quickly filled with water. The Navy, civil defense authorities, and first responders immediately launched a rescue mission.
All 55 passengers were successfully pulled from the open waters unharmed. The guests were subsequently returned safely to the Mein Schiff 1.
The provincial director of civil protection told the Dominican Republic daily newspaper Diario Libre that the cause of the sinking is still unknown and is being investigated by experts. Preliminary findings, however, suggest a ‘technical defect’ in the catamaran’s hull.
TUI Cruises Responds
Sabine Lüke, spokesperson for TUI Cruises, confirmed the incident, noting that the catamaran belonged to an external operator and that all guests were safe and sound.
“We confirm that an excursion catamaran belonging to an external provider sank during a shore excursion programme. There were just over 50 guests from the Mein Schiff 1 on board, who are all safe and sound and have since returned safely to the ship,” Lüke said.
TUI Cruises is in close contact with the operator and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of their guests is their top priority. The cruise ship is now en route to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Source: Daily Mail
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