Tragedy Strikes: Excursion Boat Capsizes Near Cartagena with 38 AIDAbella Passengers Onboard

On March 20, 2025, an excursion boat capsized near Cartagena, Colombia, with 38 passengers on board, including 36 German tourists and 2 from Austria. This incident occurred during their return journey from an excursion facilitated by the cruise ship AIDAbella, operated by AIDA Cruises.

The vessel faced challenging weather conditions, characterized by strong winds and high waves, which ultimately led to the capsizing. The Colombian Coast Guard swiftly organized rescue operations, successfully retrieving all passengers. Fortunately, no serious injuries or fatalities were reported after medical evaluations were conducted.

Documentation of the event has surfaced, showing the overturned vessel with nearby boats aiding in the rescue process, as passengers were spotted in the water.

In light of the incident, AIDA Cruises expressed their appreciation to both the Colombian Coast Guard and the crew of the excursion boat for their quick and professional responses. The cruise line reaffirmed its dedication to passenger safety and indicated that they would cooperate with local authorities in the ongoing investigation into the accident’s cause.

This occurrence has sparked conversations about the effectiveness of safety protocols in maritime excursions, prompting authorities to consider reevaluating and enhancing safety measures to prevent future incidents.

For more information about AIDAbella incidents, refer to the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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