Cruise ships have always played their part in maritime safety, diverting to rescue lost souls across the world’s oceans, but over the last few days three cruise ships have rescued fishermen and migrants in three separate incidents.
In Asia, it is reported that SuperStar Aquarius assisted Taiwan Coast Guard to rescue six fishermen in Taiwan waters, with all the fishermen wearing life jackets and floating in the sea.
SuperStar Aquarius is reported to have arrived at the scene, sheltering the group from wind and swell as they were safely picked up by Taiwan Coast Guard, after which SuperStar Aquarius resumed her itinerary, sailing to Yonagumi.
In the Caribbean between Cuba and Florida, it is reported that two cruise ships, the Disney Wonder and the Carnival Conquest spotted, in two separate incidents picking up Cuban migrant rafters, half way through their journey from Cuba to the USA, the Associated Press reported.
It appears that the groups had been at sea for almost two weeks, but no injuries were reported, with the groups being given food and water before being returned to Cuba.
A Disney statement said the Wonder picked up eight people about 45 miles from Key West, but their nationality was not immediately known and the company working with the Coast Guard to determine its next steps.
US Coast Guard Petty Officer Mark Barney said that both were separate incidents Friday afternoon with Carnival saying in a statement that the Carnival Conquest picked up 13 Cuban nationals about 40 miles from Key West.
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