Carnival Paradise Rescues Five from Raft off Cuba

On May 14, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line’s Fantasy-class, 2,124-guest Carnival Paradise spotted an overcrowded raft in distress south of Cabo San Antonio, Cuba, while sailing between stops after departing Tampa, Florida, with a recent call at Key West, and en route to Montego Bay, Jamaica. According to a Carnival spokesperson, “On Wednesday, our officers spotted a small, distressed boat south of Cabo San Antonio and immediately dispatched a lifeboat. Five individuals requested rescue and were brought aboard; the others declined but were provided with food, water, and fuel, and we alerted the U.S. Coast Guard.” The ship then continued on its itinerary without disruptions.

Immediate Rescue Efforts

Crew Members Spring into Action

The Carnival Paradise bridge team noticed a raft carrying about 15 people struggling in open water off the Cuban coast. Following maritime rescue protocols mandated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the crew deployed a lifeboat to render aid. Five individuals chose to come aboard, where they received food, water, medical attention, and temporary lodging. The other occupants declined rescue but were offered food, water, and fuel. A Carnival spokesperson confirmed, “The United States Coast Guard was notified, and a transfer will be coordinated at the next suitable port.”

Security Protocols and Passenger Concerns

While many guests praised the swift response, some voiced concerns about bringing refugees on board. These worries surfaced after a separate incident in the Sulu Sea, where Cunard’s Queen Anne implemented pirate deterrence measures due to known regional piracy risks. Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, addressed similar fears by emphasizing strict security procedures during rescues: “We never let anybody that we rescue have free roam of the ship.” He added that assisting those in peril is both a legal and moral obligation, pointing out that Carnival Paradise operates in the Western Caribbean, where piracy is rare.

Previous Rescue Operations

The recent rescue is the latest in a string of lifesaving efforts by Carnival Paradise and demonstrates Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to maritime safety. Past incidents include:

• 2019: Assisted a sinking vessel north of Cozumel, Mexico.
• May 2022: Saved a small boat’s occupants en route to Roatán, Honduras.
• July 2022: Aided an overcrowded vessel off the coast of Cuba.
• April 2024: Rescued 28 Cuban nationals from an adrift craft near Cuba.

Officials stress that each rescue follows strict protocols to safeguard both guests and crew while fulfilling the SOLAS requirement to aid those in distress at sea.

Itinerary and Voyage Status

Despite the unplanned stop to render assistance, Carnival Paradise arrived punctually in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on May 15, 2025, as scheduled. The six‐night Western Caribbean itinerary also included a call at George Town, Grand Cayman, on May 16, with the ship slated to return to Tampa, Florida, on May 18. Carnival representatives noted that passengers experienced no interruptions to their vacation plans, underscoring the line’s ability to balance operational schedules with emergency rescue missions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does maritime law require cruise ships to do in emergencies?

Under SOLAS obligations, any vessel at sea, including cruise ships, must provide assistance to others in distress. This duty applies regardless of the reason the ship is sailing or the nature of the vessel in need.

How many people were rescued and what happened to them afterwards?

Five individuals requested rescue and were brought aboard Carnival Paradise. They received medical attention, food, and shelter. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified, and a transfer will be coordinated at the next port of call, likely Grand Cayman or Tampa, for further processing.

Were passengers on Carnival Paradise at risk?

Carnival follows strict safety measures to protect guests and crew. Rescued individuals are kept in a secure area and provided care. Carnival states that these protocols minimize any risk to paying passengers.

Is piracy a concern in the Western Caribbean?

Piracy incidents are rare in the Western Caribbean. Recent pirate deterrence measures on Cunard’s Queen Anne occurred in the Sulu Sea, a separate region noted for its piracy history. Carnival officials confirm no credible threats exist along Carnival Paradise’s usual routes.

Has Carnival Paradise conducted similar rescues before?

Yes. The vessel has responded to multiple distress calls off the coasts of Cuba, Mexico, and Honduras since 2019, consistently rendering aid without significant impact on scheduled itineraries.

This latest humanitarian effort by Carnival Paradise illustrates the cruise industry’s capacity to uphold international rescue obligations while maintaining guest safety and itinerary efficiency.