Key Aspects:
- Mardi Gras paused during a sea day to investigate drifting wreckage in case a rescue was necessary.
- The incident happened on Sunday, November 23 in the eastern Bahamas.
- Fortunately, no rescue was necessary and Mardi Gras continued on her way.
Even on what should be a routine day at sea, cruise ship officers and crew members remain alert to possible emergency situations. Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras demonstrated exactly that type of alertness and commitment to the safety of all at sea on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Mardi Gras left Port Canaveral on Saturday, November 22 for her 7-night Thanksgiving sailing, an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Sunday was to have been a smooth and calm day at sea, giving the up to 6,500 passengers onboard a chance to explore the Excel-class ship.
At approximately 11 a.m., however, the crew and officers were exploring something else: an abandoned and partially sunken boat in the eastern Bahamas.
Mardi Gras came across the wrecked craft approximately 85 miles north-northeast of Princess Cays. Different guests spotted the debris and alerted crew members, initiating the start of potential rescue operations.
Worth Reading: Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras Encounters Almost Fully Submerged Ship
The craft (hardly more than a broken-down raft) was low in the water with debris floating nearby, and the deck was obviously swamped and unseaworthy.
Guests onboard Mardi Gras shared on Facebook that there did not appear to be any possessions or materials onboard the craft, and no one was located in the immediate vicinity.
Satellite tracking data confirms that Mardi Gras paused in her route and slowly circled the wreckage, ensuring there was no one to rescue.
This is part of every cruise ship’s commitment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which includes taking all necessary and reasonable steps to rescue anyone in distress.
Even if there appears to be no one onboard what may obviously be wreckage, it is essential for a ship to investigate. The loss of some time on a sea day is a very small consequence when a life may be at stake.
Fortunately, in this case, there was no one around the wreckage and no need for further rescue efforts. Mardi Gras was able to continue on her route shortly thereafter, and there should be no delay to her arrival in Grand Turk on Monday, November 24.
What Happens When a Cruise Ship Finds Wreckage?
In addition to circling the craft to check for survivors, it is possible that Mardi Gras also contacted Bahamian authorities (as the nearest governing body) about the wreckage, alerting them to its position.
Authorities may be able to determine if the wreckage had been previously reported, or if there might be any missing persons reports in the vicinity that could connect to the craft.
Typically, when cruise ships rescue refugees, they report the position of the incident along with a description of the watercraft left behind. This information is provided to other vessels in the area so they are aware that the drifting boat, raft, or wreckage has already been investigated.
On occasion, however, wreckage may be spotted for the first time without anyone having been rescued. Exactly what happened to the craft and any occupants may never be known.
It is also possible that this wreckage was previously reported, but it may have become storm-tossed or drifted far enough from the original position that a new report is necessary.
Cruise ships take every such alert of refugees and drifting craft seriously, and stand ready to offer assistance if necessary.
