P&O Cruises’ ship Arvia undertook a rescue mission this week after spotting a fishing boat in distress.
According to guests posting on Facebook group P&O Arvia Caribbean Season, the crew of the cruise ship spotted the distress flares from the fishing boat, which was drifting at night having lost power.
Because the battery on the fishing boat had completely died, the owner hadn’t been able to call for help, so had resorted to sending up distress flares.
The crew were able to bring Arvia close to the fishing boat, where they were able to donate a new battery to the owner.
This restored power to the boat, allowing it to return home.
A video of the incident can be viewed on the Facebook group.
The passengers were full of praise for the quick actions and generosity of the crew, commenting on how lucky it was that Arvia had been passing the fishing boat.
Cruise ships to the rescue
This isn’t the first time a cruise ship has come to the aid of a smaller vessel in distress.
Over the years, cruise ships have played a vital role in assisting seafarers in emergency situations, thanks to their advanced communication equipment, medical facilities, and trained crews.
One well-documented case occurred in December 2018 when Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas rescued two stranded fishermen near Grand Cayman. The fishermen had been adrift for 20 days without proper food or water after their vessel’s engine failed.
Crew members provided them with medical care, food, and water before coordinating with local authorities to transfer them to safety. News agencies at the time called it a “Christmas miracle”
Cruise ships will occasionally help refugee boats in distress too, bringing refugees onboard and then dropping them with the nearest suitable authorities.
These incidents highlight the role cruise ships can play in maritime safety. With their large size, sophisticated equipment, and experienced crews, cruise ships are often well-placed to assist smaller vessels in need.
Crew members are trained to handle emergency situations, and the ships are often in constant communication with maritime authorities, enabling a swift and coordinated response.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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