The incident occurred only days into Mein Schiff 1’s 14-day round trip of Central America, which set sail from La Romana in the Dominican Republic on 7 November.

More than 50 people were rescued without injuries after a catamaran carrying guests from the German cruise ship Mein Schiff 1 sank in Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic, on Sunday, 9 November. The Dominican Republic Navy confirmed that the vessel, Boca de Yuma (also referred to as Boca de Yuma 1), began taking on water due to internal hull damage. The catamaran, approximately 40 feet (12 metres) long, had departed from Embat Pier for a shore excursion when the incident occurred.

The vessel struck an object in the water

According to officials, the vessel reportedly struck an object in the water, causing one of its hulls to flood. The two Dominican crew members on board, including the captain, immediately alerted authorities as the situation  worsened. The Navy said it provided communication support, logistical help and operational assistance during the rescue. Passengers were told to wear life jackets and get into the water as the boat slowly sank between 3pm and 3.30pm local time.

Transporting Passengers safely to port

Rescue boats from the Navy, Civil Defence and the tour operator quickly arrived, retrieving everyone from the sea and transporting them safely to port.Ramón Liriano, provincial director of the Civil Defence, told local media that all passengers were rescued alive and that safety protocols were followed. He added that experts are now investigating what caused the internal hull damage.

The experience as frightening 

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TUI Cruises, the operator of Mein Schiff 1, confirmed that the rescued passengers were later returned to the cruise ship. The company said its representatives are speaking with the excursion provider and police to understand the cause of the incident. A passenger quoted by German outlet RTL described the experience as frightening and said some people felt they were not immediately attended to after the rescue.

 Port of Samaná has opened an inquiry 

The Captaincy of the Port of Samaná has opened an inquiry to determine the cause of the incident and identify any responsibilities. The Dominican Republic Navy said it is working with local authorities to help prevent similar incidents in the future.It added that all guests are safe and were returned to Mein Schiff 1 immediately after the rescue, thanking the crew members involved for their help.

Offered pastoral care and compensation

“The guests affected were immediately offered pastoral care and compensation. All of them decided to continue the trip,” the spokesperson said.“We are continuing to investigate the incident together with the provider and the relevant authorities. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our top priority.”

The incident occurred only days into Mein Schiff 1’s 14-day round trip of Central America, which set sail from La Romana in the Dominican Republic on 7 November.

References: Cruisehive, Euroweeklynews

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