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On Sunday (November 9), a 40-foot catamaran named Boca de Yuma I sank during a cruise excursion in Samana Bay, Dominican Republic, leaving around 55 passengers floating in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel, carrying guests from the cruise ship Mein Schiff 1 operated by TUI Cruises, experienced an "internal failure" and rapidly took on water, according to the Navy of the Dominican Republic.
The catamaran sank within minutes after a collision with an object in the water, prompting the captain to request immediate assistance from nearby boats. The Dominican Republic Navy responded quickly, providing communication and logistical support to ensure all passengers were safely rescued and returned to the cruise ship. No major injuries were reported, although some passengers sustained minor injuries.
Safety procedures, including the use of life vests, were implemented as the passengers entered the water. Video footage shared on social media showed life rings and passengers spread over a large area, with only a small part of the catamaran remaining above the surface.
The incident is under investigation by the Dominican Republic Navy and local authorities to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences. TUI Cruises confirmed that all guests were offered care and compensation and have chosen to continue their cruise vacation.
The catamaran had a capacity of up to 80 guests and was on a sightseeing tour, not a snorkeling or diving expedition. The weather was relatively calm, though some choppy water was observed, which may have contributed to the incident. The Navy continues to work with local authorities to ensure safety measures are in place to avoid similar incidents in the future.