Norwegian Epic Rescues 63 Migrants Stranded in the Ionian Sea
A routine Mediterranean voyage turned into a dramatic rescue this week when Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic saved 63 people stranded at sea in the Ionian Sea.
According to the cruise line, the ship participated in a search-and-rescue mission coordinated by Greek authorities on October 22. “The individuals were brought on board and tended to by the ship’s crew, who provided medical evaluations, food, and other items for their comfort,” Norwegian said in a statement. “Following a directive from the Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship proceeded to Kalamata, Greece, where the rescued individuals were turned over to Greek authorities.”
The nationalities and identities of those rescued have not been released, and Greek officials have yet to provide further details.
The Norwegian Epic had departed from Civitavecchia (Rome) on October 21 for a Mediterranean cruise with stops in Greece, Malta, Italy, and France. The rescue occurred just one day into the voyage.
Once the operation was complete and the individuals were safely transferred to authorities in Kalamata, the ship resumed its scheduled itinerary. Norwegian Cruise Line noted that passengers were understanding about the delay caused by the emergency.
“We appreciate our guests’ patience and understanding during this unexpected interruption,” the company said. The incident underscores the growing number of maritime rescues in the Mediterranean as cruise and cargo ships respond to distress calls in busy sea corridors.
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