Cruise Catamaran Sinks in Dominican Republic: A Close Call for Passengers
A sightseeing tour in the Dominican Republic turned into a nightmare for cruise passengers on Sunday, 9th November 2025. A catamaran carrying over 50 guests sank off the coast of Samaná Bay. The incident left passengers stranded in the water, but fortunately, all were rescued.
Rescue Operation Swiftly Executed
The 40-foot catamaran, Boca de Yuma, began taking on water shortly after departing from Embat Pier. An “internal failure” was reported as the cause. Passengers and crew had to abandon the vessel as it quickly submerged. Thanks to standard safety procedures, everyone was wearing life jackets. Nearby boats responded promptly, and the Dominican Republic Navy coordinated the rescue efforts.
TUI Cruises confirmed the incident, stating, “An excursion catamaran operated by an external provider sank on 9 November 2025 during a shore excursion. All guests are safe and were returned to Mein Schiff 1 immediately after the rescue.” Social media videos captured the chaos, showing life rings scattered and passengers spread across the water.
Calm Seas, Unexpected Sinking
The weather was calm, with only minor choppy conditions reported. Initially, authorities believed the sinking was due to a collision with an unidentified object. The captain quickly called for help from nearby vessels. Thankfully, all guests and crew were rescued without major injuries, though many were understandably shaken.
Most passengers were not prepared for swimming, as the tour was meant to be a relaxed coastal sightseeing trip. The sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard.
Investigation Underway
Officials from the Port of Samaná and the Dominican Republic Navy are investigating the incident. They aim to determine the cause and assess if the tour operator met safety and maintenance standards. A spokesperson stated, “The Dominican Republic Navy collaborates with local authorities to determine responsibilities and take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.”
The Mein Schiff 1 was on a 14-night Caribbean cruise, having departed La Romana on 7th November. The itinerary, which included stops in Jamaica, was altered due to Hurricane Melissa. The unexpected stop in Samaná was part of the revised route.
Passengers Continue Their Journey
After the ordeal, all passengers received medical checks and counselling support onboard. TUI Cruises reported that every affected guest chose to continue their cruise. Despite the scare, the passengers were eager to enjoy the rest of their holiday.
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