“My Ship 2”
Cruise ship captain saves 50 refugees from acute distress at sea
The crew of “Mein Schiff 2” was able to safely take everyone on board and provide them with medical care (symbol image)
© Joerg Niebergall/Eibner-Pressefo / Picture Alliance
The captain of the German cruise ship “Mein Schiff 2” heroically saved the lives of 50 refugees on Monday. The Haitians threatened to drown off the coast of the Dominican Republic.
This article first appeared on RTL.de.
It’s last-minute rescue. The water is already running into the boat. The 50 people are desperately trying to shovel the water out of their boat with their bare hands. They are in danger of drowning.
It is thanks to Captain Thomas Roth (Mein Schiff 2) and his crew that everyone survived the drama off the coast of the Dominican Republic.
“Mein Schiff” crew becomes heroes
According to RTL information, the drama takes place on Monday evening at sea – 35 miles (about 65 kilometers) south of the coast of the Dominican Republic. The “Mein Schiff 2” from Tui Cruises is currently cruising here. Only the crew is currently on board. The officers on the bridge suddenly spot a small boat. Captain Thomas Roth decides immediately: The cruise giant change course and see what’s going on. A decision that saves 50 lives!
Tui Cruises spokeswoman Friederike Grönemeyer says when asked by RTL: “The captain and his crew then realized that the people were already in acute distress at sea. The Mein Schiff 2 drove right up to the boat and was able to get everyone – including a Child – take it safely on board. There we gave them medical care and provided them with water and food.”
Tui Cruises: “A commandment of humanity”
Captain Roth immediately contacts the Coast Guard of the Dominican Republic. Together it is decided that the 50 people in the port of La Romana can be safely brought ashore.
Tui Cruises spokeswoman Friederike Grönemeyer continues: “In addition to the obvious fact that it is a humanitarian imperative to provide help, international maritime law also obliges ships in distress to provide help. Our ships also have special equipment for this, such as Lifeboats and other rescue equipment. The crew are trained to provide assistance in such an emergency.” The shipping company is particularly proud of the crew of Mein Schiff 2: “We are grateful that the crew was there in time yesterday and was able to save the lives of everyone on the boat.” According to RTL information, the refugees come from Haiti.