Royal Caribbean Ship Rescues Dozen on Raft—What We Learned

On September 28, 2025, Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas diverted amid stormy weather to rescue roughly 10–12 people from a fragile raft in the Caribbean between Mexico and Cuba, according to People. Crew deployed a lifeboat, used a drone to verify the situation, brought the group aboard for water and basic care, and later transferred them to authorities on shore.

A fast rescue as the raft began to fail

People reports a “group of castaways” was saved just as the raft “was starting to fall apart.” The ship launched a lifeboat and flew a drone to assess the scene before committing to the pickup—textbook moves that limit risk to both the rescue team and those in distress. Once aboard, the rescued received immediate essentials and were turned over to local authorities when the ship reached land.

No additional details about the group’s identity or destination were provided. That’s typical: cruise lines generally limit comment to the facts of the rescue and coordination with officials, especially when local or national authorities will handle next steps.

By the numbers

Date: September 28, 2025
Ship: Enchantment of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Location: Caribbean, between Mexico and Cuba
People rescued: Approximately 10–12 (per People)
Tools used: Lifeboat and a drone (per People)
Immediate care: Water and basic assistance onboard

Why cruise ships stop: the law and the duty

There’s no mystery about why a cruise ship will break from its course for a small craft. Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), masters must proceed “with all speed” to assist persons in distress if they can do so without serious danger to their own ship. That obligation is codified in SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 33, overseen by the International Maritime Organization.

U.S. law mirrors the duty. Title 46 of the U.S. Code requires a vessel master to render assistance to any individual at sea in danger of being lost, so long as it can be done without serious danger to the vessel or those on board (46 U.S.C. §2304). Industry groups like CLIA emphasize that “rescue at sea” is standard practice and train crews to respond quickly.

In other words, this wasn’t a discretionary detour. It was the law—and a long-standing norm of seamanship.

What passengers experienced and the schedule math

Rescues like this often look dramatic from a balcony, but the timeline typically moves fast: slow to assess, launch rescue craft if safe, bring people aboard, provide triage, and coordinate with coastal authorities for transfer. According to People, Enchantment of the Seas was already navigating regional storms. That adds cross-currents, literally and operationally, but modern ships can often absorb a short detour without wiping out an itinerary.

It’s fair to ask about delays. Sometimes a rescue adds an hour or two; sometimes weather, traffic separation schemes, or port windows compound the impact. Cruise lines usually prioritize the rescue, then work with ports and pilots to minimize downstream disruption. When a call must be dropped, they tend to offer credits or adjusted schedules. There’s no indication from People’s reporting that Enchantment’s schedule saw major changes, but details weren’t released.

How crews execute rescues at sea

From a procedural standpoint, the Enchantment operation checks the boxes: stabilize the situation, keep the mothership clear of hazards, and use smaller, maneuverable craft for the pickup. Drones—cited by People in this rescue—are increasingly used on ships for situational awareness, letting teams evaluate sea state, raft stability, and approach vectors without guessing from the bridge.

Behind the scenes, crews drill for this. SOLAS requires regular emergency exercises and equipment checks, including lifeboat and rescue boat operations. The priorities are consistent: safeguard the ship and passengers, protect the rescue team, and recover people in distress as quickly as conditions allow.

If the ship is within reach of coastal authorities, the captain will coordinate handoff at the earliest safe opportunity. That’s both practical and humane: shore-side agencies can provide medical screening, immigration processing, and onward care that a cruise ship isn’t equipped to deliver at scale.

Sailing late September in the Caribbean

This incident unfolded during the heart of Atlantic hurricane season. Climatologically, activity peaks from mid-August through late October, and late September frequently brings rough patches across the Western Caribbean and Florida Straits. NOAA notes the season’s historical peak around September 10, with elevated activity continuing into October (NOAA).

Practically, that means captains are already in reroute mode—dodging systems, seeking calmer corridors, and preserving schedules where possible. In that context, spotting and assisting a distressed craft becomes an urgent priority slotted into an already complex navigation puzzle.

Quick timeline of what likely happened

Weather deviation: Captain adjusted course to avoid regional storms.
Detection: Crew spotted a small raft; drone deployed to verify.
Recovery: Lifeboat launched; people brought aboard.
Stabilization: Water and basic care provided.
Transfer: Group handed to authorities at the next safe opportunity.

The bigger takeaway for cruisers

Maritime rescues aren’t rare. Cruise ships have saved fishermen, sailors, and raft passengers across the Caribbean and Mediterranean for years. It’s part law, part ethics, and part professional pride among mariners. For guests, it’s a reminder that cruise ships are not just floating resorts—they’re obligated, and prepared, to be good Samaritans at sea.

If you’re aboard during an event like this, expect clear but minimal updates over the PA, a brief slow-down or pause along the route, and normal service resuming quickly after. The one non-negotiable? Rescuing people in danger comes first.

Pros and operational realities

Pros: Lives saved; fulfills legal and moral duty; crews train for these moments.
Realities: Possible minor delays; limited onboard medical capacity; formal processing handled ashore.

Summary

Enchantment of the Seas rescued about a dozen people from a failing raft on September 28, 2025.
The crew used a lifeboat and a drone, provided care, and transferred the group ashore.
Maritime law (SOLAS and U.S. code) requires ships to assist people in distress.
Late-September storms added complexity, but rescues like this are well-drilled.