In the midst of a search and rescue operation led by the Colombian Navy, in coordination with the Port Authority of Cartagena, of the General Maritime Directorate, it was possible to safeguard the lives of 38 tourists, including 36 of German origin and two Austrians, as well as two crew members of Colombian nationality, given that the ship in which they were sailing, through the sector of Punta Gigantes, near the Ciénaga de los Vásquez, in Cartagena, wrecked, apparently, as a result of the meteomarine conditions, adverse events in the Colombian Caribbean Sea.
Once the emergency call was received, through line 146, a Rapid Reaction Unit - URR of the Coast Guard Station of Cartagena was highlighted, in order to support the maritime evacuation and verify the situation of the passengers, who initially, were helped by the maritime productive groups in the area. While it was confirmed that some of those rescued were on dry land, the rest were taken to a safe port, where after checking their health status, it was determined that none of them needed emergency medical assistance.
The tourists, who were traveling on board the Aida Bella cruise ship, currently in Cartagena, were transferred to the Port Society facilities by the corresponding maritime agency. For its part, the Port Authority of Cartagena will initiate the relevant investigation to clarify the causes of this maritime accident.
Source: Press – Maritime General Directorate
