TUI has reassured concerned customers following a distressing incident where passengers had to jump overboard as a catamaran sank in the Caribbean. The small boat, carrying passengers from the Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship during a stop in the Dominican Republic, quickly submerged, forcing all 55 passengers to abandon ship. The group outing turned into a rescue operation as holidaymakers ended up in the water, eventually rescued by the Dominican Navy.
TUI Cruises, the operator of the cruise departing from La Romana, is collaborating with authorities to investigate the incident. According to a spokesperson, the catamaran, operated by an external provider, sank during the excursion. TUI is actively engaged with the provider and local authorities to determine the cause of the sinking.
Local community members from El Crucero joined the rescue efforts, while the Dominican Republic Navy is working closely with authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future. All passengers were safely returned to the Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship, although the nationalities of those on the catamaran remain unknown.
The sinking is believed to be due to a hull leak, with ongoing investigations into the matter. Despite the incident, the Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship, capable of hosting up to 4,000 guests, will proceed with its itinerary, with Jamaica as the next destination.
In another development, video footage from CDN37 captured the dramatic moment the catamaran disappeared underwater, prompting Dominican vessels to assist. Some rescued passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the cruise staff, alleging a lack of assistance during the crisis.
TUI currently manages 18 ships under its three cruise lines, including Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd from Germany, and Marella Cruises departing from British ports.
