Six people and a dog were rescued by Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas on November 15, 2024, near the coast of Marrakesh, Morocco. The family, sailing aboard a disabled sailboat, faced a harrowing ordeal after their ship suffered critical mechanical failures, including engine trouble and the loss of its masts, leaving them adrift in the open sea.
Maritime law exists to protect lives at sea, requiring ships to assist those in distress. This rescue shows just how crucial that obligation is, as the crew’s expertise turned a potentially tragic situation into a successful operation.
By acting quickly and efficiently, the crew saved lives, proving cruise ships can be life-saving tools in emergencies.
Voyager of the Seas Rescues Stranded Sailboat
Some more footage of the aid given to a yacht in distress by @RoyalCaribbean #VoyagerOfTheSeas
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The rescue unfolded as Voyager of the Seas, a 137,276-gross-ton vessel on a 16-night transatlantic voyage, was heading toward Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.
The ship received a distress signal from the stranded sailboat over 100 miles (161 km) off the African coast. Despite facing its own weather-related challenges during the voyage, the ship’s crew sprang into action.
According to passengers, the crew first attempted to repair the sailboat but quickly determined that it was beyond salvageable. With safety as the top priority, they initiated a transfer operation, carefully bringing the four adults, two children, and their black Labrador retriever aboard the cruise ship.
Photos shared on social media captured the touching moments, including the Labrador sporting a pink life jacket, as passengers cheered from their balconies.
The rescue effort wasn’t without risk. Transferring passengers from a disabled sailboat to a rescue craft and then onto a large ship can be dangerous, particularly in open waters. Strong waves can overturn rescue boats, and shifting vessels can cause injuries during transfers. The crew of Voyager of the Seas demonstrated outstanding skill and professionalism, making the operation both safe and efficient.
After the Rescue: Voyager Crew’s Care for Stranded Family
Photo courtesy of @ThisIsAshley_G from X
Once aboard Voyager of the Seas, the rescued family received medical care, food, and temporary accommodations. While maritime law requires cruise ships to help stranded vessels, the crew went above and beyond. This kindness and care deeply moved passengers and observers, with many guests describing the event as a humbling experience.
Voyager’s Itinerary Leading to the Rescue
This remarkable rescue wasn’t the only event to mark the Voyager’s journey. The transatlantic itinerary, which began in Barcelona, Spain, and will end in Port Canaveral, Florida, has faced numerous challenges. Severe weather forced the cancellation of scheduled stops in Valencia, Malaga, and Madeira.
The itinerary originally included seven ports of call: Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, Funchal (Madeira), Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. However, catastrophic flooding in Valencia led to the port being removed from the schedule before the voyage even began.
Subsequent thunderstorms and heavy rain in Malaga caused another cancellation, and rocky seas near Madeira made it unsafe for the ship to dock.
While en route to Gran Canaria, the captain received the distress call from the stranded ship, and without hesitation, the ship altered its course to help. Despite these disruptions, the Voyager’s captain and crew made adjustments to ensure passengers still had an enjoyable experience. The ship extended its stay in Gran Canaria, allowing guests more time to explore the island before resuming its journey.
How Often Do Cruise Ships Carry Out Rescues at Sea?
While dramatic rescues like this are rare, they are not unheard of. Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas rescued 77 migrants in the Mediterranean during a Greek Isles cruise. In another incident, Harmony of the Seas saved six fishermen and a dog off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula after their fishing vessel lost communication and became adrift.
Maritime law requires ships to assist anyone in distress at sea, but the logistics of such rescues can be complex. Crews often face harsh weather, rough seas, and time constraints. Once a rescue is completed, the rescued individuals are provided with immediate care, such as medical attention, food, and clothing. They are then transferred to local authorities at the next port.
How Cruise Ship Crews Train for Rescues
Rescues like the one by Voyager of the Seas are made possible by thorough training. Crew members practice handling emergencies through safety drills, ensuring they are ready to rescue stranded passengers and provide first aid.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) ensures cruise ships are equipped with essential safety tools, such as lifeboats, medical facilities, and communication systems. These requirements made sure the Voyager of the Seas had everything it needed to carry out the rescue effectively.
What’s Next for Voyager of the Seas?
After completing its transatlantic journey, Voyager of the Seas will begin a new season of cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean, operating out of Port Canaveral, Florida, through May 2025. These shorter itineraries will offer passengers the chance to explore sun-soaked destinations, including Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and other iconic ports.
In mid-2025, the ship will return to Europe for a variety of itineraries departing from ports such as Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Athens, and Ravenna. By the end of 2025, the Voyager will sail from Cape Town to Singapore. From there, it will embark on its first-ever itineraries around Australia.
