• More than 50 cruise ship passengers were rescued after their excursion catamaran, Boca de Yuma, sank in Samana Bay, Dominican Republic.
• The passengers were guests from TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1, and the port visit to Samana was an improvised stop following hurricane cancellations in Jamaica.
• The catamaran sank rapidly due to an “internal failure” or collision with an object, but all guests and crew were safely recovered with no major injuries.
• Local authorities and the Dominican Navy are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact cause and implement future safety measures.

The Dominican Navy and local authorities are currently investigating the sinking of a tour catamaran in Samana Bay on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The vessel, identified as the 40-foot Boca de Yuma, sank rapidly in minutes after suffering an “internal failure” or collision with an object, leading it to take on water.

The catamaran was carrying more than 50 cruise guests from TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1 on a sightseeing shore excursion. The port visit to Samana, located in the northeastern Dominican Republic, was an improvised addition to the itinerary after the ship’s scheduled calls in Jamaica were canceled due to Hurricane Melissa damage.

Safety procedures were immediately activated, and all guests utilized life vests and entered the water. The Dominican Navy and vessels owned by the catamaran company responded swiftly to the emergency call. TUI Cruises confirmed the incident, reporting that all 50+ guests and crew were safely recovered without major injuries and were immediately returned to the Mein Schiff 1. The cruise ship subsequently continued its 14-night itinerary toward Cozumel and Costa Maya. The Dominican Navy has stated it is collaborating with local authorities to determine the cause of the incident and implement preventive measures for future safety.