Cruise ship rescues Aussies stranded at sea
A group of lucky travellers has been rescued by a cruise ship after their boat broke down off the coast of New Caledonia.
Aussie bloggers Dusty and Helena, along with their three dogs and another couple, were saved from their disabled catamaran in the South Pacific on Thursday.
Crew on board the Carnival Splendour responded to the boat's distress call by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea.
Carnival Cruise's communications director Lynne Scrivens said the group was 'all okay' after being stranded on their catamaran in rough seas just south of New Caledonia.
'Carnival Splendour, it's a Sydney-based cruise ship, it got the call to go and assist and so it immediately diverted and headed towards where the catamaran was and thankfully we were able to get to them and rescue the four people and their three dogs, who are now on Carnival Splendour along with 3300 other guests,' she told 2GB's Mark Levy. The sailors were on their way to Fiji when their engine failed and mast broke in rough seas off the coast of New Caledonia. Supplied Credit: Supplied
'They're all okay, thankfully. They were really lucky that we were able to come to their rescue, and they're receiving food and water, and they're having a rest in a cabin.'
Ms Scrivens confirmed the sailors had been cleared by an on-board medical team.
'Quite a story to tell for them,' she added.
After completing a lap around Australia, the boat was heading to Fiji before their engine failed and mast broke in bad weather.
The cruise ship was travelling on an eight-day round trip to Vanuatu and New Caledonia, leaving Sydney on Monday.
Maritime law requires the nearest vessel to respond to distress calls, diverting course to go and assist.
It is understood the rescued sailors will get off in Noumea, 9News reported.
Carnival Cruises has been contacted for comment.
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