Brilliance of the Seas Rescues 11 in Gulf of Mexico Mission

The crew aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas came to the aid of 11 migrants drifting in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday after spotting their vessel in distress. The group, discovered adrift between Cuba and Mexico, was taken aboard the cruise ship where they received medical attention, nourishment, water, and warm clothing.

This rescue occurred during a seven-night Caribbean voyage organized by VACAYA, an LGBTQ+ travel company. The ship had set sail from New Orleans on Saturday and was headed to Progreso when both passengers and crew noticed the imperiled vessel.

Video footage captured a rescue boat shuttling between the migrants’ small craft and the cruise liner, transferring the individuals to safety in smaller groups.

“This was a truly collective effort,” a representative for VACAYA said in a statement. “Guests on board rallied to help, collecting dry clothes for the rescued individuals, while Royal Caribbean provided emergency care.”

Passengers on the Brilliance of the Seas described the event as both harrowing and uplifting. “It was incredible to see everyone come together to help these people,” said one guest. “You could see how desperate their situation was, but the crew handled it with such professionalism and care.”

While details about the migrants’ condition at the time of rescue have not been released, Royal Caribbean confirmed that the individuals continue to receive care. The company is now working with the appropriate authorities to determine the next steps for the rescued migrants.