A tranquil day trip took a terrifying turn for 38 cruise passengers last Thursday when their excursion boat capsized near Cartagena, Colombia, due to unexpectedly strong winds.
Passengers from AIDA Cruises’ AIDAbella—36 German tourists and 2 Colombians—were thrown into the Caribbean Sea while heading to the scenic Isla Baru on March 20, 2025. Wind speeds escalated swiftly to around 20 mph, overturning the small vessel in waters celebrated for their clear, turquoise beauty.
Video footage captured the intense rescue operation, showing anxious passengers swiftly pulled to safety—watch below:
Following the dramatic rescue, the relieved passengers continued their cruise itinerary, docking in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on March 24. Their journey will proceed with stops in St. Kitts, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados, culminating in Martinique on March 30, 2025.
Recent Incidents Highlight Safety Concerns
Remarkably, this incident is the second boating accident involving tourists near Colombia this month. On March 2, a separate tour boat with 42 passengers capsized while travelling from Cartagena to Isla Palma.
All passengers—who hailed from various Latin American countries and Germany—were successfully rescued without injuries.
Travel Advisories and Safety Precautions
Colombia remains a beloved destination for cruise passengers, but authorities urge caution when selecting tour operators. The Canadian government currently advises travellers to engage reputable companies and avoid boats appearing overloaded or poorly maintained, highlighting concerns about unlicensed operations. S
Similarly, the U.S. Department of State categorises Colombia under a Level 3 advisory: “Reconsider Travel,” citing inconsistent regulation and safety inspections.
Cruise lines, including AIDA Cruises (part of Carnival Corporation), generally screen their tour providers carefully. However, passengers should always stay alert, select reputable operators, and confirm essential safety measures—such as life jackets and vessel seaworthiness—are met.
Fortunately, both recent incidents ended without tragedy, thanks to swift actions by local boaters and Coast Guard crews, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and vigilance for cruise travellers.
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