More than 50 people on board a catamaran had to be rescued by the navy as their boat sank. On Sunday afternoon, a boat carrying passengers from the “Mein Schiff 1” cruise ship sank off the coast of the Dominican Republic, where rescue efforts were carried out.

RTL reported that the catamaran “Boca de Yuma I”, operating for the cruise ship, suddenly started taking on water and eventually sank entirely. Photos and videos showed worried tourists wearing life jackets in the water, before the Dominican navy rescued them and brought them aboard safely. No one was hurt, though the images reveal how close the situation came to being far more serious.

The main cruise ship is sailing across the Atlantic, having left New York on October 23 on its way to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The port authority of Samaná said: “The Dominican Republic Navy is working closely with local authorities to identify those responsible and take measures to prevent such an incident from happening again.”

Sabine Lüke, spokesperson for TUI Cruises, told German newspaper “Bild“: “We confirm that an excursion catamaran belonging to an external provider sank during a shore excursion program. There were just over 50 guests from the Mein Schiff 1 on board, who are all safe and sound and have since returned safely to the ship.”

TUI Cruises is said to be working closely with the ship’s operator and the relevant authorities following the accident. Their aim is to carry out a full investigation into what happened, ensuring that all details are examined and proper safety measures are addressed.

Lüke added: “The safety and well-being of our guests is our top priority. Should individual assistance be necessary, it will of course be provided.”

A spokesperson for TUI Cruises confirmed the incident to the organisation: “The excursion catamaran of an external provider sank during an excursion.”