Rescue Abord the Carnival-Glory, Jan. 29, 2009 Around 2:00 PM, EST, about 40 NM from Cuba, a little East of Havana, the ships loudspeaker announced that we had we turned around due to the spotting of a small raft with men aboard in apparent distress. The US Coast Guard had been notified, and was on the way. I grabbed the camera and joined a lot of other people at the rail on the 10th deck of the Cruise ship Carnival-Glory. We watched as the men were given water and food, but not allowed to board the ship. During the next 3 hours I shot a lot of pictures of the rescue and transfer of the men first to one of the Glory's lifeboats, and then to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Knight Island, WPB 1348. The operation was complete a few minutes after 5:00 and we reurned to course. I can only assume that the 9 men aboard the green raft were returned to warm welcome home in Cuba. Click on any picture for an enlargement, close that window to return here.

9 Men in a raft. Watching. Watching. Paddling toward offered water. Lifeboat. Catch

Transfer Started. Transfer. All Out. Junk overboard. USCoast Guard Cutter Knight Island. USCG Zodiak on the way.

Photos © Earl English 2009