Lifeboat Incident on Carnival Dream in Cozumel
A lifeboat aboard the Carnival Dream unexpectedly detached from its cables and plunged into the sea. This incident occurred while the ship was docked in Cozumel. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the lifeboat sustained significant damage.
Details of the Incident
The mishap took place on Wednesday, 19th November 2025. Carnival Dream was on a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Galveston. Witnesses from nearby ships first noticed the lifeboat adrift beneath the pier. It eventually came to rest partially lodged against the dock.
What Happened?
The lifeboat, identified as Lifeboat 3, was located forward on the starboard side. Luckily, the ship was moored port-side, allowing the lifeboat to fall into open water. This prevented any potential harm to the pier or guests. Part of the lifeboat’s orange canopy remained attached to the ship.
Carnival’s Statement
Carnival Cruise Line released a statement explaining the cause. During an unmanned test, a latch caught on a cable, causing the lifeboat to hang from one end before falling. Thankfully, no one was injured during this test.
Extent of the Damage
Images reveal severe damage to the lifeboat’s hull, including a large vertical crack along the stern. Nearby lifeboats, Numbers 1 and 5, appear undamaged. Carnival Dream’s hull also shows no visible impact. Routine lifeboat tests are standard when a ship is docked, ensuring safety procedures are practised without passengers.
Can Carnival Dream Continue Its Voyage?
A crucial question arises: can Carnival Dream sail with one lifeboat out of service? Cruise ships must have enough lifeboats and life rafts for everyone on board. While ships often carry extra capacity, they must adhere to strict international safety standards. It’s unclear if Carnival Dream’s remaining lifeboat capacity meets these requirements. Additional inspections may be necessary before departure.
Current Status in Cozumel
Carnival Dream remains docked in Cozumel, alongside other vessels like Regal Princess and MSC Seashore. The damaged lifeboat is unusable for rescues, prompting further checks on neighbouring lifeboats.
Previous Lifeboat Incidents
While rare, lifeboat accidents do occur. In December 2022, a lifeboat fell from Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas during operations in the South Pacific. No injuries were reported, and the ship continued its itinerary, albeit with slower operations for the day. Lifeboats play a vital role beyond emergencies, including tendering guests ashore.
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