A Norwegian Cruise Line ship has rescued over 60 people in the Ionian Sea after responding to a distress call from the Hellenic Coast Guard. The Norwegian Epic brought 63 individuals to safety on 22 October, according to CruiseMapper.
The vessel, which had departed Civitavecchia, Rome, on 21 October for an 11-day round trip to the Greek Isles, altered its course to assist with the rescue mission. The port call at Santorini was cancelled at the direction of Greek authorities to facilitate the transfer of the rescued individuals in Kalamata.
Norwegian said in a statement: 'The individuals were brought on board and tended to by the ship’s crew, who provided a medical evaluation, food and other items for their comfort. Following a mandatory directive from the Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship proceeded to Kalamata, Greece, where the rescued individuals were turned over to the Greek authorities.'
The cruise line added: 'We appreciate our guests’ patience and understanding during this unexpected interruption to their journey.' The Greek authorities and Norwegian have not identified the group of people rescued roughly 75 miles south-west of Zakynthos island.
This is not the first time a cruise ship has diverted to save people at sea. In September, a Royal Caribbean cruise rescued a group of people floating on a raft after altering its route to avoid Tropical Storm Imelda. The crew provided medical care and worked with the Mexican coastguard.
