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Introduction
On March 20, 2025, a tour boat carrying 38 passengers—36 German and 2 Austrian tourists—from the AIDA Cruises ship AIDAbella capsized near the Barú Peninsula off Cartagena, Colombia. The incident occurred during adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and high waves, as the vessel returned to port. All passengers were safely rescued by the Colombian Coast Guard, though the event has sparked discussions about safety oversight in maritime excursion operations. AIDA Cruises praised the rescue efforts but faces scrutiny over risk assessments for third-party tour providers.
Details of the Incident
The capsizing occurred during a shore excursion from AIDAbella , which had docked in Cartagena as part of its Caribbean itinerary. The tour boat, operated by a local excursion provider, encountered severe weather on its return journey, leading to the accident. Visual documentation showed the overturned vessel surrounded by rescue boats, with passengers visible in the water.
The Colombian Coast Guard coordinated a rapid response, deploying teams to retrieve all 38 individuals. Medical evaluations confirmed no serious injuries or fatalities, though the incident caused significant disruption to the cruise schedule.
Response and Impact
AIDA Cruises expressed gratitude to the Colombian Coast Guard, excursion crew, and its own staff for their swift assistance. The company confirmed cooperation with local authorities in the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the capsizing.
The incident has prompted calls for stricter safety protocols for tour operators, particularly in regions prone to sudden weather changes. Industry experts emphasize the need for real-time weather monitoring, mandatory safety briefings, and improved coordination between cruise lines and third-party providers to mitigate risks.
Key Takeaways:
- A tour boat carrying 38 *AIDAbella* passengers capsized near Cartagena, Colombia, on March 20, 2025, due to strong winds and high waves.
- All passengers were safely rescued by the Colombian Coast Guard, with no serious injuries or fatalities reported.
- AIDA Cruises is cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident and improve excursion safety protocols.
- The accident highlights risks associated with shore excursions and the importance of weather monitoring and vendor oversight.
- Cartagena’s tourism sector remains operational, but the incident may lead to revised safety standards for local tour operators.