The Brilliance of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, rescued 11 refugees adrift between Cuba and Mexico on Wednesday. The ship's captain spotted the refugees' distressed vessel during a seven-night cruise from New Orleans. The refugees, whose country of origin remains unknown, were waving a white flag of distress when discovered. Among those witnessing the rescue were passengers, including former MTV host Julie Brown.
The refugees were in a dire situation, with their boat taking on water. Randle Roper, CEO of VACAYA, a charter group on the cruise, reported that the refugees were visibly malnourished and exhausted. However, once aboard the safety of the Brilliance of the Seas, they received food, water, and medical attention.
"They were pretty malnourished and exhausted. But we’ve got them here on board safe and sound. They’re being fed, getting lots and lots of water to rehydrate. … They’re in great spirits," said Roper.
Upon spotting the distressed boat, the cruise ship deployed a pilot boat with crew members to carry out the rescue operation. The crew ferried the refugees three at a time from their failing vessel to the cruise ship. The remaining individuals on the boat were supplied with life jackets to ensure their safety during the transfer.
"The refugees on the boat were literally bailing out the water out of the boat, so their boat had clearly become stricken, and they were just adrift sea and taking on water," Roper explained.
Julie Brown, who was performing on the ship, also observed the rescue and recounted her experience. She mentioned how she waved at the refugees as they approached the ship, and they waved back in good spirits.
"As they were coming toward the boat, I waved at them and they all waved back to me, so they’re obviously in good spirits as well," noted Brown.
The US Coast Guard played a pivotal role in determining the refugees' next steps after their rescue. Following their safe arrival aboard the Brilliance of the Seas, they disembarked in Mexico on Thursday. In a show of solidarity, passengers from VACAYA donated clothes and provided funds to support the rescued individuals.
"Two of the most reviled groups out there in America right now are the LGBT+ community and refugees, and the fact that we were the ones that I’m gonna say lucky enough to help them, it just feels really, really good," Roper stated.
