A Disney cruise ship became an unlikely hero at sea, rescuing four individuals from a sinking catamaran off the coast of Bermuda.
At a Glance
- The Disney Treasure cruise ship rescued four people from a sinking 50-foot catamaran named Serenity
- The rescue operation took place 230 nautical miles off the coast of Bermuda
- The catamaran was taking on water due to a gasket failure in the escape hatch
- The Disney Treasure was en route from the Netherlands to Florida when it responded to the distress call
- The rescue operation was successfully completed between 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. with no medical concerns reported
A Distress Call at Sea
On Sunday morning, what started as a routine voyage for the Disney Treasure cruise ship turned into a dramatic rescue mission. The U.S. Coast Guard received a distress call at 8:30 a.m. from a 50-foot catamaran named Serenity, located 230 nautical miles off the coast of Bermuda. The vessel was in dire straits, disabled and taking on water due to a gasket failure in the escape hatch.
Responding to the Coast Guard’s broadcast for assistance, the Disney Treasure, which was 80 miles away and en route from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to Port Canaveral, Florida, diverted its course to aid the struggling catamaran. The cruise ship’s swift response highlighted the maritime tradition of assisting vessels in distress, regardless of their origin or affiliation.
Heroes in Action
As the Disney Treasure approached the Serenity, the gravity of the situation became clear. The 15-meter-long catamaran was no match for the 340-meter-long cruise ship, but size was not the determining factor in this rescue operation. It was the skill and bravery of the Disney crew that would make the difference.
“We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril,” Disney Treasure Captain Marco Nogara said.
The cruise ship dispatched a small boat to retrieve the four individuals from the sinking catamaran. Between 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m., the rescue team executed a flawless operation, safely bringing all four passengers aboard the Disney Treasure. To the relief of all involved, none of the rescued individuals reported any medical concerns.
Disney Cruise ship rescues 4 people off sinking catamaran in Bermuda https://t.co/ncWIeGz2iP pic.twitter.com/YW9XXqqiDb
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) November 11, 2024
A Testament to Training and Commitment
The successful rescue operation was not just a stroke of luck but a result of rigorous training and unwavering commitment to safety. Captain Marco Nogara of the Disney Treasure praised his crew for their exemplary performance during the high-stakes situation.
The Disney Treasure, set to become the sixth passenger liner in Disney’s cruise fleet, certainly made waves before its official maiden voyage. Scheduled to begin its first cruise on December 21, the ship has already proven its worth in the most meaningful way possible – by saving lives at sea.
This dramatic rescue will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant moment in the ship’s history, setting a high standard for its future voyages.
