A Royal Caribbean ship chartering an LGBTQ+ cruise embarked on a rescue mission on Wednesday, February 26, when the crew safely rescued 11 refugees from the Gulf of Mexico.

The ‘Brilliance of the Seas’ departed New Orleans and was in the middle of a severn-night Caribbean cruise when the ship’s captain spotted a small vessel that appeared to be in need of help. Reports said that passengers on the small boat were waving a white flag of distress so the ship immediately sent a small pilot boat to assist.

MTV’s Downtown Julie Brown, who is a performer on the ship, documented the rescue in a social media video where she says the ship quickly turned around to rescue those in need. Separate video footage taken from passengers on board shows a yellow rescue boat sailing back and forth from the refugees’ vessel to the cruise ship, bringing them aboard in groups of three.

Once safely on Brilliance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean staff provided everyone rescued with food, water, and emergency medical care. Representatives from VACAYA, the LGBTQ+ vacation company chartering the cruise, said guests rallied to help by collecting fresh, dry clothing for those in need.

VACAYA CEO Randle Roper described the maritime rescue as one of the most emotional moments of his career. In a Facebook post he shared: “In my 22 years in the industry, I’ve never had such an emotional day.”

He added: “I’m so happy we were able to bring them onboard safely and provide medical care, dry clothes, food, and most importantly, water. It’s sad that some people have to put themselves through such trauma in hopes of finding a better life.”

Roper told The Advocate the stranded vessel was “stricken, adrift, and taking on water” when the rescue crew arrived. 11 people on board were in the process of bailing water from the boat which had been stranded at sea for one to two days.

The refugees had also been without food and water. “I can only imagine the fear they must have been feeling,” he said.

 

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Following the rescue, guests have been eager to offer support. Roper said their kindness has been “really, really inspiring. From the moment those 11 refugees boarded, people wanted to assist.”

Roper said: “Two of the most reviled groups in America right now are the LGBTQ+ community and refugees. The fact that we were the ones lucky enough to help them—it just feels really, really good.”

Everyone is safely being cared for on board and the US Coast Guard is in the process of determining if those rescued will remain on the ship for the duration of the cruise or be taken ashore when the ship docks in Mexico.