Horror footage has captured the moment when a Caribbean cruise ship catamaran capsized, leaving numerous passengers floating in the ocean. The incident occurred as the small 12-meter boat was transporting passengers between the Mein Schiff 1 cruise liner and the Dominican Republic, ultimately flipping over due to a leak. Video footage shows the 55 passengers in red high-visibility life jackets drifting in the water after being compelled to abandon ship.
Following the event on November 9, local news service CDN37 recorded the boat submerging beneath the ocean’s surface, nearly disappearing entirely as it descended into the depths. Thankfully, all passengers were rescued from the sea by diligent responders who swiftly arrived to assist. Multiple rescue boats were observed in the video, pulling the drenched passengers aboard after deploying life buoys. Their rescue took place just as the sea conditions seemed to worsen.
Upon rescue, the capsized passengers expressed discontent with the cruise staff, claiming they were neglected and received no aid from their original ship. Authorities from the port stated that the Dominican Republic Navy is collaborating with local officials to identify accountability and implement preventive measures for future incidents. While the exact cause of the leak remains unofficial, preliminary assessments suggest a potential “technical defect” in the catamaran’s hull.
TUI Cruises, the cruise operators managing the voyage that set off from La Romana, have confirmed ongoing discussions with the excursion provider and law enforcement to investigate the incident’s root cause. A spokesperson clarified that the passengers were aboard an externally operated catamaran that sank during the excursion.
