WATCH dramatic images capturing the moment a Mediterranean cruise ship saves drowned migrants trying to reach Spain.
The rescue took place near the island of Cabrera, near Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
At around 4pm, the MSC Splendida spotted a small boat drifting about 20 miles offshore after being alerted by authorities, who ordered the ship to assist as it was the closest ship in the area.
Maritime law also required the cruise ship to respond, as ships must provide aid to anyone in danger at sea.
The boat was visibly overcrowded, with many passengers clinging to its sides to avoid falling into the water.
As the Splendida approached, several migrants jumped into the sea to reach life jackets thrown by crew members.
Battling strong waves on a cloudy and windy afternoon, they repeatedly attempted to climb the ship’s ladder, only to be pushed back by the current.
Passengers and staff on board worked together to get the group to safety, throwing life preservers and helping the exhausted migrants get on board.
Once on deck, the rescued group received food, clothing and a place to sleep.
Captain Giuseppe Maresca praised his crew’s professionalism and composure during the operation, saying: “Every sailor puts safety before everything else and saving lives is part of our DNA.”
“My team acted with professionalism and dedication to ensure this rescue was carried out safely, even under difficult conditions.
“I am very proud of them and their professional and supportive response.”
Many passengers watched in disbelief as the rescue unfolded on the final day of their trip.
A traveler who filmed the incident wrote online: “During the last day of our cruise, a boat with 18 people on board and three children was rescued in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
“These people, probably at sea for days, were looking for a future by escaping their hostile country.
“Fortunately we were there, not many were so lucky.
“Thanks to the professionals at MSC Splendida, they are now safe.”
All those rescued were reportedly of North African origin.
In total, the Splendida, which was carrying 5,733 passengers, rescued 17 adults and two children.
Once everyone was safely on board, the ship continued on its planned route to Barcelona so as not to disrupt its schedule.
Upon arrival, the immigrants were handed over to local authorities and social services for processing.
A Government delegation in Catalonia confirmed the details of the rescue and noted that the incident occurred on the same day that four boats were trying to reach the Balearic Islands.
Three of those boats managed to reach the coast of Formentera.
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This was not the first time that MSC participated in an operation of this type.
Just a year ago, another of the company’s ships, the MSC World Europa, rescued 12 Algerian immigrants.
