Tour Boat Capsizes Near Cartagena, Endangering 38 AIDAbella Cruise Tourists

On March 20, 2025, a tour boat carrying 38 passengers—36 Germans and 2 Austrians—capsized near the Baru Peninsula, close to Cartagena, Colombia. These tourists were part of an excursion from the AIDAbella cruise ship, which is operated by AIDA Cruises.

According to local reports, the incident occurred as the vessel was returning to Cartagena amidst adverse weather conditions characterized by strong winds and high waves. The Colombian Coast Guard swiftly coordinated rescue operations, managing to retrieve all tourists safely.

Medical assessments were conducted as a precautionary measure, and fortunately, no serious injuries or fatalities were reported. Visual evidence from the scene showed the capsized boat as nearby vessels helped with the rescue efforts, with passengers observed in the water.

In light of this event, AIDA Cruises expressed gratitude towards the Colombian Coast Guard, the excursion crew, and the ship’s crew for their effective and professional response. The company reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and announced its cooperation with local authorities in an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

This situation has spurred conversations about the need for improving safety measures and regulations in maritime tour operations, with authorities likely considering a review of safety protocols to avoid such incidents in the future.

For further details on incidents related to AIDAbella, visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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