Dominican Navy Rescues 50+ Mein Schiff 1 Guests After Catamaran Sinks
The incident spotlights how cruise vacations depend on local excursion operators, putting pressure on ports and lines to tighten safety checks even when ships run smoothly.
More than 50 cruise passengers were rescued off the Dominican Republic after an excursion catamaran serving TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1 sank in Samaná Bay on Sunday, Dominican authorities said. Officials reported that everyone on board was recovered from the water and brought safely back to shore, with no injuries reported.
Excursion catamaran reported to have taken on water and submerged
The Dominican Navy said the incident involved a 40-foot catamaran operating a shore excursion for passengers from Mein Schiff 1. The vessel was identified by authorities as Boca de Yuma, and was also reported as Boca de Yuma I, after it began taking on water when a breach occurred in the hull.
TUI Cruises spokesperson Sabine Lüke confirmed the sinking involved a third-party operator. “We confirm that an excursion catamaran belonging to an external provider sank during a shore excursion programme,” Lüke told Bild.
Rescue response returned passengers to Embat Pier
Dominican Navy officials said an emergency call was made as the catamaran took on water, and rescue units responded alongside other nearby boats. Images and video from the scene showed passengers wearing life jackets in the water as assistance arrived.
Authorities said those rescued were transported back to Embat Pier, where they received assistance before returning to the cruise ship. TUI Cruises said the rescue operation was treated as the immediate priority and was completed successfully.
- Passengers onboard: The excursion boat was reported to be carrying 55 passengers from Mein Schiff 1, while TUI Cruises said there were “just over 50” guests on board.
- Injuries: Authorities and the cruise line said no injuries were reported, and everyone was recovered safely.
- Who responded: The Dominican Navy led the rescue, with support from local responders and other nearby boats.
Early information points to a possible collision
While the investigation is ongoing, TUI Cruises said initial information suggested the catamaran may have struck an object in the water, leading to the reported hull breach. “According to the information currently available, there was a collision with an object in the water,” the company told The Post.
TUI Cruises also said that, in its account of events, the excursion boat’s captain contacted other vessels in the area to request help once the situation developed.
Investigation opened by Samaná Port Authority
The Samaná Port Authority said it opened an investigation into what caused the vessel to sink. In a statement shared by the port authority of Samaná, officials said: “The Dominican Republic Navy is working closely with local authorities to identify those responsible and take measures to prevent such an incident from happening again.”
Local reporting cited by Diario Libre said the catamaran was operated by two Dominican crew members, including a captain. Investigators are expected to review operational decisions, the vessel’s condition, and the circumstances surrounding the hull breach.
TUI Cruises cites guest support and cooperation with officials
Lüke said the cruise line’s focus was on passenger care and follow-up support: “The safety and well-being of our guests is our top priority.” She added that if individual support is needed, “it will of course be provided.”
TUI Cruises said it offered care and compensation to affected passengers, and said it is working with the excursion operator and Dominican authorities as the investigation proceeds. The company also expressed appreciation for those involved in assisting during the response.
Mein Schiff 1 itinerary context
The incident involved a shore excursion boat rather than the cruise ship itself. Cruise tracking information listed Mein Schiff 1 as being on an Atlantic crossing after departing New York on Oct. 23, with Montego Bay, Jamaica shown as the ship’s next destination.
No announcement of itinerary changes for Mein Schiff 1 was included in the available information, and the company’s public comments focused on the excursion incident, the recovery of passengers, and coordination with Dominican authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many passengers were on the excursion catamaran when it sank?
The Dominican Navy said the catamaran was carrying 55 passengers from Mein Schiff 1, while TUI Cruises said there were “just over 50” guests on board.
Were there any injuries reported after the catamaran sank?
No injuries were reported by authorities or the cruise line, and those on board were recovered from the water and returned safely.
What may have caused the catamaran to sink?
TUI Cruises said preliminary information indicated the catamaran may have collided with an object in the water, causing a breach in the hull. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
What is being done to determine what happened and prevent another incident?
The Samaná Port Authority has opened an investigation, and TUI Cruises said it is cooperating with the excursion operator and Dominican authorities. Investigators are expected to review the circumstances of the hull breach as well as operational decisions and the response actions taken during the emergency.
