A cruise ship came to the rescue of four individuals aboard a disabled catamaran that was taking on water hundreds of miles off the coast of Bermuda on Sunday, according to officials.
The 50-foot catamaran, named the Serenity, became disabled about 265 miles off the coast of Bermuda when its escape hatch malfunctioned, causing the vessel to start taking on water, explained U.S. Coast Guard 5th District spokesperson, Petty Officer 3rd Class Christine Bills, in an email.
In response, the Coast Guard issued a broadcast requesting assistance from the closest ship, and the Disney Treasure, located approximately 80 miles away from the Serenity, answered the call by dispatching a lifeboat to rescue all four passengers.
A team from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City in North Carolina deployed an HC-130 aircraft to oversee the operation until the rescue was successfully completed, Bills confirmed.
Video footage from the Coast Guard shows the yellow lifeboat traveling from the cruise ship towards the disabled catamaran.
The Disney Treasure was en route from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its new homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, when it diverted to aid the distressed vessel, as stated by the Disney Cruise Line. Captain Marco Nogara of the Disney Treasure expressed satisfaction at being able to assist the passengers in need.
“Our crew members collaborated effectively during the rescue, showcasing their training and dedication to safety,” said Nogara.
