Two sailors who have been stranded at sea for 20 days have been rescued by Empress of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The outstanding rescue took place while the ship was sailing a Caribbean cruise.
20 Days Stranded at Sea!
We can’t even imagine what it would be like to be stranded at sea for 20 days. Thankfully it wasn’t a day longer thanks to Empress of the Seas coming to the rescue during a Caribbean cruise.
Chief Meteorologist for Royal Caribbean International James Van Fleet tweeted that the vessel had rescued two mariners who had been at sea for 20 days. Their small boat was apparently spotted somewhere between Jamaica and Grand Cayman and it was just luck that the cruise ship was at the right location at the right time.
More pics to share from @RoyalCaribbean #EmpressoftheSeas rescuing 2 Mariners who had been at Sea for 20 DAYS in that small boat between #Jamaica and #GrandCayman! See last pic for story. UNREAL and so PROUD of Officers and Crew! Thank you @jleberle and @caryjames007 for pics. pic.twitter.com/VEw1tzChMO
— James Van Fleet (@JamesVanFleet) December 21, 2018
According to one guest who was onboard the ship, a distress signal was received and the captain diverted of course to launch a rescue operation.
Hats off to @RoyalCaribbean! On the Empress of Seas and the bridge received a distress call. We diverted course to rescue the sailors in need! Doing what truly matters! Class act! @JamesVanFleet pic.twitter.com/vks9uv7BZQ
— Cary Williams (@caryjames007) December 21, 2018
The crew launched one of the boats to pick up the two sailors and bring onboard to be checked over.
WOW! Extremely proud of @RoyalCaribbean #EmpressoftheSeas Officers and Crew. 2 Mariners had been at Sea for 20 days between Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Had we not changed itinerary to get to better weather, we would never have been in that spot at that time. WELL DONE Empress! pic.twitter.com/psGWDYB4ug
— James Van Fleet (@JamesVanFleet) December 21, 2018
Empress of the Seas is currently sailing a 6-night Caribbean cruise which departed its homeport in Miami, Florida on December 17. The ship called at Grand Cayman on December 19 and Cienfuegos in Cuba on December 20. The vessel was likely sailing towards Havana Cuba at the time which the ship is still expected to arrive as normal on December 22. The ship will arrive back in Miami on December 23.
Also Read:Â Carnival Cruise Ship Recognized With Exceptional Bravery
The Royal Caribbean cruise ship is 48,500 gross tons with a guest capacity of 1,590 at double occupancy. Well done to the crew for safely rescuing the two sailors.
