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A Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Enchantment of the Seas, conducted a dramatic rescue of a group stranded on a deteriorating raft in international waters between Mexico and Cuba on Sunday night (September 28). The rescue took place as the ship navigated the Yucatan Channel, avoiding Hurricane Imelda, according to a statement from the Royal Caribbean Group.
The crew identified the individuals in distress and provided medical care after coordinating with the Mexican Coast Guard. Jeffrey Walker, a passenger on the cruise, reported seeing a "little white flashing light" in the distance before the ship turned to investigate. "As we approached, it was clear their raft was falling apart," Walker told NBC News.
Walker estimated that the raft held about 10 people, and it was "losing pieces" as the ship launched two drones to assess the situation. The ship then deployed two lifeboats to rescue everyone on the compromised craft. "It was a very surreal, very exciting, very scary thing all at once," Walker added.
The Enchantment of the Seas had diverted its course due to the storm, placing it in the right location to assist the stranded individuals. Once on board, the rescued group received drinking water and medical attention. The cruise line typically hands over rescued individuals to appropriate authorities upon reaching shore.
This is not the first time a Royal Caribbean ship has been involved in a rescue. Earlier this year, another vessel rescued 11 people in the Gulf of Mexico. These rescues highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those attempting dangerous sea crossings.