Cruise ship changes course to rescue four people in Gulf

The Regal Princess diverted from its Galveston-to-Cozumel voyage on Feb. 23 to rescue four people from a small distressed boat; they were brought onboard, evaluated by the ship's medical team and are to be transferred at the ship's next scheduled port.

Passengers aboard the Regal Princess cheered after the ship diverted to rescue four people from a small, distressed makeshift boat in the Gulf of Mexico on Feb. 23. The ship had departed Galveston on Feb. 22 for a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing that included Cozumel and Roatan. Princess Cruises said the four individuals were brought onboard and evaluated by the ship's medical team. The cruise line said the rescued people will be transported to the ship's next scheduled port and received by local authorities and support services. Key facts: - The Regal Princess responded to a small vessel in distress on Feb. 23 and rescued four people, according to the cruise line's statement. - Those rescued were brought aboard and evaluated by the ship's medical team, and their safety was reported as the immediate priority. - Passengers noticed the ship change course and reacted with applause after the captain announced the rescue. - Princess Cruises said the rescued individuals will be transferred at the ship's next scheduled port where local authorities and support services will receive them. - A separate incident on Feb. 16 involved a Carnival ship that rescued five people from a small vessel; the US Coast Guard was notified and provided guidance in that case. - The cruise line cited longstanding maritime obligations, including provisions under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, that require ships to assist persons in danger at sea when it is safe to do so. Summary: The rescue was handled onboard and reported to have proceeded without disruption to the ship's itinerary. The four people are to be handed over to local authorities and support services at the ship's next scheduled port. Further details about the rescued individuals' status beyond the handover were not provided.