Dramatic Caribbean Cruise Ship Rescue – Passengers Saved After Engine Failure Near St. Lucia
A luxury cruise ship sailing through the Caribbean Sea faced a terrifying ordeal on September 28, 2025, when its engines failed near the coast of St. Lucia, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple vessels and aerial support. The incident, which occurred during peak cruise season, left over 2,000 passengers and crew stranded for hours before help arrived.
The vessel, identified as the MV Ocean Majesty, was en route from Barbados to Puerto Rico when it experienced a sudden engine failure, causing a complete loss of propulsion and partial power outage. The ship began drifting toward shallow waters near Soufrière Bay, raising fears of grounding or collision with coral reefs.
Time of incident: 3:45 AM local time
Location: 12 nautical miles off St. Lucia
Passengers onboard: 1,850
Crew members: 400+
🚨 Rescue Operation: Coordinated Maritime Response
The St. Lucia Coast Guard, along with support from Royal Caribbean’s emergency fleet, launched a rapid response. Tugboats, helicopters, and nearby cruise liners were mobilized to assist in stabilizing the vessel and evacuating vulnerable passengers.
Evacuation priority: Elderly, children, and passengers with medical conditions
Medical support: Onboard triage and transfer to Victoria Hospital
Duration of rescue: Approximately 6 hours
No fatalities reported, but 12 passengers treated for dehydration and anxiety
The cruise operator, Majestic Voyages, issued a formal apology and confirmed that all passengers would receive full refunds and complimentary future cruise credits. Passengers praised the professionalism of the crew and rescue teams, though many described the experience as “terrifying” and “chaotic.”
“We woke up to alarms and darkness. The crew kept us calm, but it felt like a movie,” said one passenger from Florida.
Maritime authorities are investigating the cause of the engine failure, with early reports suggesting a cooling system malfunction. Environmental groups are monitoring the area for potential fuel leaks or reef damage, though no contamination has been confirmed.
The Caribbean cruise ship rescue near St. Lucia highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and international maritime coordination. While the incident ended without loss of life, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel and the resilience of rescue teams in safeguarding lives.