A Princess cruise ship has come to the rescue of five people who were adrift at sea for 48 hours.
The Sun Princess was asked to take part in a search and rescue operation which was headed by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Noumea. Five people including family members of a local senior Vanuatu Government minister were stranded at sea for 48 hours before the Sun Princess spotted them after midnight on September 27.
The ship was approximately 115 Nautical Miles away from the stranded vessel when it diverted to begin the search and rescue operation. Once the Princess Cruises operated cruise ship spotted them west of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu waters they were brought onboard the ship. After 1:00 AM All five people were given medical attention by the Sun Princess medical staff.
Princess Cruises Vice President Australia and New Zealand Stuart Allison said:
“We’re pleased that we were able to assist in this successful search and rescue operation today and we’re relieved that all five passengers are recovering from their experience.”
“It must have been a huge relief for the five people on board the stranded boat to see a big white cruise ship appear on the scene when they were in such need.”
“The successful rescue operation today demonstrates the strong bond we have with island communities in the South Pacific. We were very pleased that we could play a role in achieving such a positive outcome.”
The Sun Princess continued on its journey towards Champagne Bay in Vanuatu where it arrived as scheduled on September 27 at 08:00 AM. The 77,400 gross ton vessel is sailing a 21-day Papua New Guinea and South Pacific itinerary. the ship is scheduled to arrive back at its home port in Brisbane, Australia on October 2.
Well done to the ship’s crew for the successful rescue operation where there were no injuries or delays.
