A Carnival Cruise Line vessel that had been sailing home for Tampa following a four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, managed to rescue the lone occupant of a sinking boat on Sunday, May 19.
The crew of Carnival Paradise received a distress call that a small boat was in danger of sinking in the waters 21 kilometres north of Cozumel. The 260-metre-long cruise ship then reversed course and came to the aid of the smaller vessel.
Upon reaching the sinking vessel, the Carnival crew launched a lifeboat to retrieve the sailor, who has been identified as a Mexican national.
The rescued individual suffered no injuries.
The crew of Carnival Paradise provided the man with food and water while awaiting the arrival of a ferry chartered by Mexican authorities. He has since been brought safely to shore.