The Regal Princess cruise ship suddenly changes course to rescue people on the stricken boat

Passengers on a cruise ship sailing from Texas to Mexico erupted in cheers after the crew rescued four people from a floundering makeshift boat in the Gulf, the second such rescue involving a Caribbean cruise ship in just days, according to reports.

The Regal Princess was en route from Galveston to Cozumel on February 23, when crew members responded to a small boat with four people on board.

“Regal Princess responded to a small vessel in distress and rescued four individuals safely at sea,” the cruise line said in a statement shared with multiple media outlets.

“All four individuals have been brought on board and evaluated by the ship’s medical team. Their safety and well-being remain our immediate priority.”

photo Shared on social media It showed what appeared to be four men on a small, rusty boat made of metal and wood, People magazine reported.

A white cloth could be seen blowing in the wind as passengers dumped water from the ship into the sea, according to posts shared online.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Princess Cruises for comment as well as passengers.

Some passengers on board said they noticed something unusual when their ship began to change course.

“We knew something was happening because the ship started turning,” passenger Melody Al-Majaber Bar told Al-Monitor. Houston Chronicle.

When the ship’s captain announced that the rescue was a success, people inside the packed theater began cheering, Barr said.

“This cruise ship clearly has passengers who care about the well-being of others, and we are grateful to be a part of that,” she told the outlet.

Princess Cruises said the rescued individuals will be transferred to the ship’s next scheduled port, where they will be received by local authorities and support services.

“In line with international maritime obligations, individuals rescued at sea are cared for on board the ship and transported to the next scheduled port stop,” the cruise line reportedly said in its statement.

Under UNCLOS, ships are required to provide assistance to anyone found at sea in danger, provided that this does not pose a serious danger to the rescue ship.

The rule applies regardless of nationality or circumstances.

“Princess Cruises extends its sincere appreciation to the captain and crew of the Regal Princess for their prompt response, professionalism and unwavering commitment to safety,” the statement read.

“Their actions reflect an ancient maritime tradition and commitment to helping those in distress at sea.”

The ship departed Galveston on February 22 for a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise, according to CruiseMapper.

The itinerary included a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, followed by Roatan Island in Honduras; The ship was scheduled to return to Texas on March 1.

The rescue operation comes amid other recent incidents that occurred in the area.

On the night of February 16, a Carnival Cruise Line ship — also en route to Cozumel — rescued “another small ship in distress,” according to reports.

The Carnival Celebration ship brought five people safely aboard as their makeshift boat began entering the water, Carnival Cruise Line told multiple outlets.

The US Coast Guard was notified and provided guidance during the rescue operation, and the ship continued its course for seven days without interruption.