Two Heroic (And Lucky!) Rescues by the Cruise Ships Norwegian Prima and Carnival Jubilee
Two separate groups of people recently found themselves rescued from dire situations at sea, thanks to the timely and very lucky intervention of two passing cruise ships. These incidents, occurring over just the past few days, remind us not only the dangers of the ocean, but also the unexpected role cruise liners can play in emergency rescues.
A Stroke of Luck in the Gulf of Mexico
The first of these dramatic rescues unfolded aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima, a massive vessel with a capacity of over 3,000 passengers. Setting sail from Galveston, Texas, on January 26, 2024 the cruise embarked on what was expected to be a routine journey. However, the following day, as the ship navigated the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, a sudden announcement from the captain heralded a change in course – and in the lives of a group of stranded individuals.
As detailed by a TikTok user, Audrey, the Norwegian Prima crew had spotted a small, makeshift boat struggling in the 
ocean. The vessel, crudely constructed from plywood and equipped with a makeshift sail, carried between five to nine people. It was a desperate sight, with plastic bottles dangling off the side to collect rainwater.
In a swift response, the Norwegian Prima dispatched one of its tenders to the scene. The individuals, who had been adrift for a harrowing six weeks since December 19, were rescued, provided medical attention, and fed. Their ordeal ended as they were safely disembarked in Costa Maya, Mexico, and transferred to an ambulance for further care.
Another Day, Another Rescue
The second incident involved the Carnival Cruise Line’s new vessel, Carnival Jubilee, which had left Galveston for Mahogany Bay, Roatan in Honduras. On January 29, 2024, crew members spotted two men off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, in a similarly dangerous situation.
In a desperate attempt to stay afloat, the men had boarded their kayak after their sailboat sank. The Carnival Jubilee changed course to rescue the men and provide them with food and medical care. Coordination with Carnival’s Fleet Operation Center in Miami ensured their safe transfer to the Mexican Navy.
These extraordinary incidents are becoming more common. With over 300 cruise ships traversing the oceans, the likelihood of encountering such emergencies is still slim, but rising. As maritime attorneys, we commend the vigilance and readiness of cruise ship crews, who are prepared to go above and beyond to ensure not only the comfort and entertainment of their passengers, but also lifesaving interventions.
These stories not only highlight the perils faced by individuals at sea, but also underscore the unexpected role that cruise ships can play in protecting maritime safety. Cruise liners may just be the miraculous and only chance encounter, meaning the difference between life and death for crewmen and passengers in distress.
We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, seawomen, and maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury claims. We never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers and their families when they are killed or injured.
Image Credit: Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Tiktok
1/31/2024
