Carnival Splendor Rides to the Rescue: How a Cruise Ship Saved Sailors and Their Dogs in the South Pacific

On May 22, 2025, the Carnival Splendor was involved in a maritime rescue operation near New Caledonia, approximately 7 nautical miles from the coast. The vessel responded to a distress signal from a disabled catamaran that had experienced engine failure and a broken mast during rough weather. The catamaran was carrying two couples, including Australian bloggers Dusty and Helena, and their three dogs. They had set sail from the Gold Coast to Fiji on May 14 when their vessel became incapacitated.

Upon receiving the alert issued by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea, Carnival Splendor, which was on an 8-day round-trip cruise from Sydney to Vanuatu and New Caledonia, diverted its course to provide assistance. It reached the stranded catamaran approximately five hours later. The four individuals and their pets were safely brought aboard the cruise ship, where they received medical evaluations, food, and water. Fortunately, all were reported to be in good health.

The rescued individuals are expected to disembark in Noumea when the Carnival Splendor docks on May 24. This incident reflects the maritime obligation for vessels to assist those in distress and showcases the readiness of cruise ship crews to handle emergency situations.

For further details on similar incidents involving the Carnival Splendor, you can visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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