Swift action by marine police in Tampa, Florida saved a small boat and its occupants from a potential collision with a cruise ship.
The fast-moving drama happened as the Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander was departing its Tampa homeport.
Small Boat Carrying Six People Adrift Dangerously Close to Oncoming Cruise Ship
A small pontoon boat carrying six people was in the channel when it became disabled due to a line that had wrapped around the boat’s propeller.
It was effectively adrift without power just minutes before Islander reached that position.
Fortunately, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Marine Enforcement Section sprang in action to assist the incapacitated boat.
Officers were able to tow the boat out of harm’s way. Just a few minutes later, the Islander passed on its departure from the cruise terminal.
Boat Towed to Safety Just Minutes Before Cruise Ship Passed
The pontoon boat was carrying six people. “Our deputies conducted an emergency tow and stayed until their boat was operable,” the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.
“The pontoon had a line wrapped around the propeller, keeping it from moving. We’re always ready to assist when trouble arises.”
It happened mid-afternoon on Sunday just as the cruise ship departed on a weeklong Western Caribbean sailing.
Video footage of the boat being towed showed the cruise ship drawing closer. Police said no one was injured and there was no damage to either vessel. The incident caused no disruption for the Margaritaville at Sea Islander.
The cruise ship is currently on its scheduled voyage with port calls including Cozumel, Belize, and Costa Maya.
There were no other cruise ships scheduled at the Port Tampa Bay on that day. Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both have ships that homeport in Tampa.
