Kate McCue, the commander of the Celebrity Cruise flagship, saved 19 migrants from a styrofoam-made ship in the Caribbean.
Nineteen refugees stuck on a homemade boat constructed of polystyrene and wood have been rescued by the Celebrity Ahead cruise ship.
The third rescue attempt by a cruise liner inside the Caribbean in a single day highlights the busy beginning of the year for refugees attempting to travel from Cuba to Southern Florida.
Its flagship ship, Celebrity Beyond, Cruising, is the second cruise operator to assist in rescuing refugees inside the Caribbean in 2023.
Cruise Liner Noticed The Little Sailboat
On January 2, the big cruise liner noticed the little sailboat in the Florida Straights.
Nineteen refugees were crammed into the tiny, improvised boat of wood and polystyrene. They were trying to move from Cuba toward Florida.
Under Kate McCue’s command, the crew successfully boarded the evacuees after maneuvering the big ship into position.
They likely received food and water and a medical checkup as a standard routine from the ship’s medical staff.
According to guests, the Celebrity cruise liner allegedly waited until the United States Coast Guard to scoop them up.
“Thanks to all the team that made this escape possible,” McCue said on social media. Executive Chairman Nikos, you are and always will be in my sights.
Celebrity Beyond was currently on its penultimate day at sea before embarking on an eight-night trip to the Western Caribbean that left Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The itinerary included stops in Nassau, Bahamas; George City, Canary Islands; Ratan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; finally, Cozumel, Mexico, which served as the ship’s last port of call.
Cruising Has Not Made Any Announcements
Cruising has not made any announcements regarding arrival delays due to the rescue effort. The ship is slated to return to port on Tuesday morning.
The subsequent voyage, with a shortened five-night Caribbean route that includes visits to Cozumel and Costa Maya, including both Mexico, is slated to set sail on Tuesday in the late afternoon.
Celebrity Beyond has become the third small boat to assist refugees since the start of 2023, which has kept the industry busy.
