Horror footage has been recorded showing a Caribbean cruise ship catamaran capsizing, leaving numerous passengers floating in the ocean. The incident occurred as the 12-meter boat, ferrying passengers between the Mein Schiff 1 cruise liner and the Dominican Republic, overturned due to a leak while en route to shore. Video footage depicts the 55 passengers, wearing red high-visibility life jackets, stranded in the ocean after being compelled to abandon the vessel.
The distressing scene, captured by local news service CDN37 on November 9, also shows the boat submerging beneath the water’s surface, leaving only a small part visible as it descended into the depths. Fortunately, all passengers were rescued by prompt responders who arrived at the scene, with multiple boats seen providing assistance. Rescuers aboard smaller vessels were observed pulling the drenched passengers to safety after deploying lifebuoys. The rescue operation took place amidst worsening sea conditions.
Following the rescue, passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the cruise staff, citing a lack of assistance and knowledge of the incident. The Dominican Republic Navy, in collaboration with local authorities, is actively investigating the incident to hold accountable those responsible and prevent similar occurrences. While an official cause for the leak is yet to be determined, initial findings suggest a potential technical flaw in the catamaran’s hull.
TUI Cruises, the operators of the cruise that departed from La Romana, confirmed ongoing discussions with the excursion provider and law enforcement to determine the cause of the incident. A spokesperson clarified that the passengers were on an externally operated boat during the excursion that sank.
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