This week, the cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas, chartered by the LGBTQ holiday company VACAYA, successfully rescued 11 individuals adrift in the Gulf of Mexico, positioned between Cuba and Mexico. The vessel, part of the Royal Caribbean cruise line, had set sail from New Orleans on a seven-night journey.
On Wednesday, the ship’s captain noticed a distressed boat and immediately informed Randle Roper, VACAYA’s CEO, who was also aboard. The ship reversed course to investigate, sending a pilot boat with crew members to assist the stranded passengers.
Roper confirmed that the group were refugees, although their origins were unknown. He empathised with their harrowing experience, stating, “I can only imagine the fear that they must have been feeling.”
Upon spotting the cruise ship, the refugees signalled with a white flag, prompting passengers on Brilliance of the Seas to gather on deck. Roper observed that the group appeared to be in urgent need of help, as they battled to remove water from their vessel, which was taking on water.
The distressed individuals had been adrift for one to two days before their rescue. Among the witnesses was former MTV host Julie Brown, who commented on the situation as it unfolded. She noted the rescue efforts, where the crew ferried individuals one by one from the sinking boat, providing life jackets to those remaining.
Once aboard Brilliance of the Seas, the rescued refugees were found to be malnourished and exhausted but in good spirits. Roper reported that they were being provided with food and water to help them recover. The next steps were to be determined by the US Coast Guard, and the refugees ultimately disembarked in Mexico.
In a heartwarming gesture, passengers from the cruise offered clothing and monetary donations to support the rescued individuals. Roper highlighted a touching connection between his group and the refugees, noting that both have faced significant challenges in America. “It’s a privilege to have been able to assist them,” he reflected.
Overall, the incident showcased both the bravery of the Brilliance of the Seas crew and the solidarity of those aboard to support vulnerable individuals in need.