Norwegian Epic: A Heroic Rescue of 63 People in the Ionian Sea
Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship, Norwegian Epic, carried out a significant rescue operation on October 22nd, saving 63 individuals from an overcrowded sailboat in the Ionian Sea, approximately 65 nautical miles southwest of Zakynthos Island. The vessel was en route from Civitavecchia-Rome to Santorini when it received a distress call from the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Upon locating the small sailboat, the crew of the Norwegian Epic quickly brought the distressed individuals on board. They were provided with medical assessments, food, and water. Subsequently, the Epic altered its course to head to Kalamata, where the rescued individuals were handed over to the authorities the next morning. Greek officials confirmed the successful completion of the operation.
Details about whether the sailboat had issued a distress signal remain unclear, as it could have been sighted by other patrols in the region. Passengers reported that the cruise paused upon spotting the vessel, and it was likely that one of the ship’s tenders was utilized for the rescue.
The rescued people were believed to be migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean and were temporarily housed in a designated area of the ship away from the other passengers until local authorities took charge.
This unplanned operation resulted in the cancellation of the scheduled port call at Santorini on October 23rd, as directed by the Greek authorities to facilitate the transfer in Kalamata.
Following the handover, Norwegian Epic continued with its original itinerary, which included planned stops at Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Valletta, Syracuse, Salerno, Livorno, and Cannes, before concluding its journey in Rome on November 1st. The cruise line expressed gratitude to its passengers for their understanding regarding the necessary detour.
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Editorial Team
At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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