Regal Princess Carries Out Open-Sea Rescue off the Yucatán Peninsula – 23 February 2026

On 23 February 2026, the cruise ship Regal Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, conducted an open-sea rescue operation in international waters approximately 150 nautical miles north-northeast of Progreso, Mexico. Crew members spotted a small, heavily compromised improvised sailing craft drifting and taking on water; all occupants were safely brought aboard the cruise ship without injury.

The vessel was en route to Cozumel on a scheduled 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Galveston, Texas. The rescue did not require a significant change to the ship's itinerary, and Regal Princess proceeded to its planned overnight stay in Cozumel on 24 February.

During the night of 23 February, crew members aboard Regal Princess observed a small vessel drifting and taking on water. The occupants were seen attempting to manually remove seawater from the craft. The ship altered course and reversed direction to approach the distressed vessel. All individuals aboard were safely transferred to Regal Princess. The distressed craft was described as a rudimentary structure made of metal attached to wood, with a makeshift sail constructed from canvas or similar material that had collapsed before the rescue. The vessel appeared heavily rusted and structurally compromised, barely remaining afloat.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• All occupants of the distressed vessel safely transferred to Regal Princess.

The rescue operation was conducted in accordance with international maritime conventions requiring vessels to assist persons in danger at sea. Following the rescue, coordination with appropriate maritime authorities was undertaken to arrange transfer or further assistance for those recovered.

Regal Princess continued its scheduled voyage toward Cozumel without significant itinerary disruption. The cruise ship proceeded to its planned overnight stay in Cozumel on 24 February 2026.