The Hellenic Coast Guard redirected the Odyssey of the Seas from its route between Civitavecchia and Santorini after a Maltese-flagged cargo ship reported a distressed vessel about 129 miles southwest of Pylos.
As explained, the rescue operation began on the morning of August 6, 2024, when the 167,704-gross-ton Odyssey of the Seas deployed lifeboats and a pilot craft to aid the overloaded sailboat.
Despite initial concerns of overcrowding and reports of a fire or potential capsizing, all the passengers were safely transferred to the cruise ship. The nationalities and specific reasons for the migrants’ distress have not yet been confirmed.
This rescue required a change in the ship’s itinerary, leading to the cancellation of its planned port call in Santorini.
The Odyssey of the Seas then proceeded to Kalamata, where Greek authorities took responsibility for the migrants’ care and processing. The ship will adjust its schedule to make up for the missed Santorini visit.
