Daring Catmaran Rescue by Carnival Cruise Ship after Spotting Distress Flare
15/07/2025
A couple and their 3 dogs hit trouble on their dream voyage whilst sailing around the world, which was cut short after their catamaran was damaged in the South Pacific, destined for Fiji.
After an aggressive storm damaged the boat’s mast, they were hit with lightning and huge waves over 170 nautical miles from land.
The couple shot a distress flare into the sky, which was thankfully acknowledged by the crew of a passing cruise ship called Carnival Splendor. The cruise liner then altered course and embarked on a 5-hour detour to recover the stranded sailors.
Rescue efforts were complicated by rough conditions and the significant size difference between the catamaran and the cruise ship, forcing the passengers to carefully ascend a lowered rope ladder to reach safety.
The couple expressed deep gratitude for the daring rescue, relieved that both they and their three dogs made it to safety.
Source: ABC News
Image Courtesy of Dustin Leonard sourced from ABC News
