An accident between a boat and a ferry caused the Coast Guard to declare a “temporary security zone” that halted traffic in and out of PortMiami on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
Sadly, the early-morning boat collision resulted in the loss of one life and one individual is hospitalized in serious condition.
At approximately 3:40 a.m. the two vessels collided prompting the closure of PortMiami. A crane was brought in on a barge to recover the sunken vessel while divers verified the safety of the channel.
During the almost 12 hours it took to recover the sunken ship, three cruise ships holding about 16,000 passengers were anchored at sea unable to dock while another 16,000 passengers or more were being asked to wait to arrive for their sailing. Each cruise line worked diligently to keep guests onboard the ships as well as guests waiting to board up-to-date with all that was happening as well so necessary arrangements could be made as needed. They also compensated their waiting guests with $20-$25 for lunch on their respective sign and sail cards.
Carnival Cruise Line even provided a shuttle service to a nearby shopping center with a variety of places to eat, Bayside Market. The cruise line kept someone onsite as well to keep guests updated throughout the day.
Finally, at about 2:30 p.m. the port reopened and shortly thereafter all three cruise ships had entered the channel and were preparing to disembark. Norwegian Escape was the first to dock followed by MSC Seascape and finally Carnival Celebration.
Each cruise line adjusted their check in times with embarkation times varying from 10 p.m. to midnight. Fortunately each of the ships have today, June 26, 2023, as a sea day and can adjust speeds to possibly make up for some of the delay. Currently, there has been no word as to whether any itineraries will need to be adjusted.
We here at La Lido Loca offer our condolences to the family of the gentleman who lost his life in this accident and our prayers for the gentleman who is recovering. To those of you who embarked on a rather late night cruise, we wish you fair winds and following seas.