Cruise Ship Diverts to Rescue 63 Stranded People
The Norwegian Epic sails to the Port of Miami in this file photo. (Pedro Portal/El Nuevo Herald via AP, File)
A Norwegian Cruise Line ship cut short its Mediterranean voyage last week to carry out a dramatic rescue of 63 people stranded in the Ionian Sea, the company confirmed.
According to Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Epic received an emergency call from Greek authorities on Tuesday and immediately changed course to assist. Once the stranded individuals were brought aboard, the crew provided medical care, food, and other aid.
“Following a mandatory directive from the Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship proceeded to Kalamata, Greece, where the rescued individuals were safely transferred to Greek authorities,” the cruise line said in a statement to USA Today.
Reports from the Maritime Executive identified the rescued group as migrants found aboard an overcrowded sailboat. The Norwegian Epic, which had departed from Civitavecchia, Italy, on October 21, had to cancel a scheduled stop in Santorini to complete the rescue mission and deliver the group to Kalamata.
“We appreciate our guests’ patience and understanding during this unexpected humanitarian operation,” Norwegian Cruise Line added.
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