Cruise Excursion Turns to Chaos as Catamaran Sinks

What should have been a sun-soaked sightseeing trip turned into a terrifying ordeal for dozens of cruise passengers in the Dominican Republic.

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, a tour catamaran suddenly began to sink off the coast of Samaná Bay, leaving more than 50 guests in the water and sparking a dramatic rescue operation.

Two scenes show a catamaran sinking off the Dominican Republic coast. On the left, a small rescue boat approaches as the catamaran’s bow disappears beneath the waves. On the right, dozens of cruise passengers wearing orange life jackets float in the water near the partially submerged vessel under clear skies. — Credit: ivanruiztv

Cruise Guests Rescued After Catamaran Sinks

Moments after leaving Embat Pier, the 40-foot vessel Boca de Yuma began taking on water. Passengers later recalled hearing a loud noise before the catamaran suddenly tilted, forcing everyone onboard to grab life jackets and prepare to abandon ship.

Nearby boats responded almost immediately, coordinating with the Dominican Republic Navy, which maintained radio contact with the sinking vessel and dispatched rescue craft to the scene. Within minutes, all passengers and crew were safely pulled from the water.

A spokesperson for TUI Cruises confirmed the incident, saying the catamaran was operated by an external provider and that every guest was returned safely to Mein Schiff 1 following the rescue.

Videos shared on social media showed passengers clinging to life rings and floating in clusters across the bay as only one corner of the catamaran remained visible above the surface.

Calm Seas, Sudden Sinking

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According to the Dominican Republic Navy, weather conditions in Samaná Bay were generally calm at the time of the incident, with only slight choppiness on the surface. That made the sudden flooding of the catamaran all the more unexpected.

Early reports suggest the vessel may have struck an unidentified object in the water, causing it to flood rapidly. The captain quickly sent out a distress call to other nearby boats and requested immediate assistance.

Although all passengers and crew escaped without major injuries, many were left shaken by the ordeal. Several guests were not dressed for swimming, as the tour was intended to be a relaxed coastal sightseeing excursion rather than a water-based activity.

Investigation Underway

Authorities from the Port of Samaná and the Dominican Republic Navy have launched a full investigation to determine exactly why the catamaran went down. Inspectors are now reviewing maintenance records and safety protocols to confirm whether the tour operator had complied with all regulations.

A spokesperson for the Navy said they were working closely with local officials to establish responsibility and implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.

The incident occurred during Mein Schiff 1’s 14-night Caribbean voyage, which had departed from La Romana on 7 November. The call to Samaná was a late addition to the ship’s itinerary after Hurricane Melissa forced the cancellation of planned visits to Jamaica.

Guests Continue Cruise After Scare

After being brought back to Mein Schiff 1, all passengers involved in the sinking were given medical checks and offered counselling support. Despite the shock of the experience, every affected guest chose to remain onboard and continue their Caribbean cruise.

TUI Cruises praised the quick response of both the excursion operator and local authorities, saying their coordination helped ensure a safe and efficient rescue. The cruise line also reassured guests that all future excursions would undergo additional safety reviews.

Following the incident, Mein Schiff 1 resumed its revised route, sailing towards Cozumel and Costa Maya, with further calls scheduled in Belize, Roatán, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia before returning to La Romana on 21 November.

Previous Excursion Accidents

While incidents like this are rare, it is not the first time cruise excursions have taken a dangerous turn. In March 2025, a sightseeing boat capsized in Cartagena, Colombia, with 38 cruise passengers onboard. Thankfully, all were rescued without injury.

A more tragic case occurred in November 2023, when a double-decked tour boat sank on its way to Blue Lagoon Island in the Bahamas, resulting in the death of one cruise passenger. That incident led several cruise lines to temporarily suspend similar excursions while safety standards were reviewed.

These events serve as a reminder that even well-organised shore tours can carry unexpected risks, particularly when involving small vessels operating in open water.