In a dramatic turn of events, the crew of the Enchantment of the Seas cruise ship came to the aid of ten Cuban rafters adrift in the Caribbean Sea, near the Mexican coastline, on Sunday night. These individuals were found struggling in a fragile vessel that was dangerously close to sinking.
The group, composed of eight men and two women, was spotted near Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo by the Royal Caribbean ship. The crew provided essential first aid and food before transporting them to safety onshore. The rafters were brought to the Costa Maya cruise dock in Mahahual, where personnel from the Secretary of the Navy (Semar) assessed their medical condition and confirmed they were in good health.
Seeking Refuge and Humanitarian Aid
"The rafters showed signs of malnutrition, but nothing life-threatening, and they have requested asylum," Semar officials told 14ymedio, a news outlet. The National Institute of Migration (INM) has initiated procedures to identify, protect, and regularize the migration status of the Cubans, according to official reports.
The report from 14ymedio highlighted that the Mexican authorities are assisting the group in obtaining humanitarian visas. Passengers from the cruise recounted to a local TV channel that the rafters waved a T-shirt to signal for help while others frantically bailed water from their raft. Tourists expressed the fear the Cubans must have felt, stranded at sea with no hope of rescue.
Fortunate Route Change
The Enchantment of the Seas initially embarked from Tampa, Florida, on September 27 for a five-day journey through the Bahamas. However, due to the presence of two tropical systems—now hurricanes Humberto and Imelda—in the eastern Caribbean, the ship altered its course towards Mexico, visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel instead.
The specialized site Cruise Hive noted that this fortuitous change in the cruise's itinerary turned out to be a stroke of luck for the stranded rafters, who were attempting to stay afloat in a vulnerable and unsafe boat after fleeing Cuba.
In late February, the crew of another Royal Caribbean ship, the Brilliance of the Seas, also rescued 11 Cuban rafters who were on the verge of sinking in the waters of the Yucatán Channel.
FAQs on Cuban Rafters' Rescue Near Mexico
What happened to the Cuban rafters rescued by the cruise ship?
The rafters were rescued by the Enchantment of the Seas near Isla Mujeres, Mexico. They received first aid and food from the crew before being taken to Mahahual, where their health was assessed and found to be stable.
Why did the cruise ship alter its route?
The Enchantment of the Seas changed its route to avoid tropical systems, specifically hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, opting to visit Mexico instead of the Bahamas.
Are there precedents of similar rescues by cruise ships?
Yes, in February, another Royal Caribbean ship, the Brilliance of the Seas, rescued 11 Cuban rafters near the Yucatán Channel.