Royal Caribbean ship rescues about a dozen adrift after storm detour

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship diverted to avoid dangerous weather on the evening of Sunday, September 28, 2025, and rescued about a dozen people found adrift on a makeshift raft in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Mexico, ship officials and passengers said. The Enchantment of the Seas altered its course while avoiding Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda during a voyage from Tampa, Florida, to Costa Maya, and its crew launched a rescue craft after spotting individuals signaling for help, according to a company statement and passenger accounts.

Passengers aboard the ship recorded video of the operation, which shows a small rescue boat approaching a dilapidated raft as people stood on it in darkness. The footage and multiple passenger reports said the raft appeared to be falling apart when the cruise crew arrived. The rescued individuals were brought aboard the Enchantment of the Seas, given water and medical attention, and treated by the ship’s staff, the Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said.

The company added that its crew identified the people in international waters, provided medical care and coordinated closely with the Mexican Coast Guard. It was not immediately...