Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Rescues 77 People off Coast of Greece

Cruise ship rescue on the Ionian SeaPhoto by@aileencd / TikTok | Royal Caribbean International

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship diverted its course early Tuesday morning to rescue 77 migrants in distress in the Ionian Sea.

According to news outlets, Odyssey of the Seas, currently sailing a Greek Isles itinerary, responded to a distress call from Greek authorities after a cargo ship spotted an overcrowded sailboat in peril approximately 129 miles southwest of Pylos.

The dramatic rescue unfolded as the massive cruise ship lowered lifeboats and a pilot craft to reach the struggling vessel.

All 77 migrants were safely brought aboard the Odyssey of the Seas, according to a statement from Royal Caribbean International.

"The safety of life at sea is a top priority for us," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said. "Our crew acted swiftly and professionally to assist those in need."

Video footage of the incident shows the precarious situation the migrants faced. The overloaded sailboat was making little headway and appeared to be adrift.

While some reports of a fire or capsizing have circulated, these claims remain unconfirmed.

Photo byVladan RaznatoviconUnsplash

Following the rescue, the Odyssey of the Seas headed to the port of Kalamata to disembark the migrants, where they were met by Greek authorities for processing.

Due to the unexpected detour, the ship was forced to skip its scheduled port call to Santorini. Royal Caribbean is working to adjust the itinerary to accommodate the missed stop.

The rescue highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean Sea, where thousands of migrants risk their lives each year attempting to reach Europe.

Greece, in particular, has been a primary entry point for refugees fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

While cruise ships are not typically involved in search and rescue operations, they are equipped with the necessary resources to respond to emergencies at sea.

The rescued migrants are likely to face a lengthy process of asylum determination and resettlement. As their journey continues, aid organizations and government agencies will work to provide them with necessary support and assistance.

The Odyssey of the Seas, a Quantum-Ultra class ship, is currently sailing a series of Greek Isles cruises.

Following its Mediterranean season, the ship will reposition to the United States for winter cruises in the Bahamas and Caribbean before returning to Europe in spring 2025.