Disney Cruise ship rescues 4 people off sinking catamaran in Bermuda

A Disney Cruise Line ship rescued four people from a sinking catamaran in Bermuda on Sunday.

The 50-foot catamaran, called the Serenity, was about 230 miles off the coast of Bermuda when a gasket failure in the escape hatch caused the vessel to begin taking on water.

After the passengers called for help, the Coast Guard issued a broadcast.

The Disney Treasure, which was about 80 miles away, launched one of its small boats and rescued all four passengers.

The four individuals were recovered safely, and no medical issues were reported.

The passengers were a family of four -- a married couple, their daughter and a cousin -- who were between the ages of 25 and 74, according to U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Mike Rauch.

"They were really way out there to sea and and they were in distress, and they were having some trouble trying to keep the water from coming in," Rauch said.

Rauch said it could have been a "dire situation," and said they were "very fortunate" the cruise ship was able to come to their rescue.

"We were very grateful for them to change their course and head up to help these people," Rauch said of the cruise staff.

In a statement, Disney Treasure Capt. Marco Nogara said he was "pleased" they were "able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril."

"Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety," Nogara said.

The Disney Treasure had been on its way from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to Port Canaveral, Florida, according to a spokesperson for the cruise line.

After the rescue, the family was taken aboard the cruise ship on its way to Florida, Rauch said.

"So they got a free ride back to the U.S., and on one of the best cruise ships in the world," Rauch said. "And I'm sure they're enjoying every minute of it."

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