*CARNIVAL VIFP CLUB SHIP SINKS IN CARIBBEAN SEA, MULTIPLE CASUALTIES REPORTED*
*CARNIVAL VIFP CLUB SHIP SINKS IN CARIBBEAN SEA, MULTIPLE CASUALTIES REPORTED*
Miami, FL – In a devastating maritime disaster, the Carnival VIFP Club ship, a luxury cruise liner operated by Carnival Cruise Line, sank in the middle of the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday evening, resulting in multiple casualties and a massive rescue operation.
According to eyewitnesses and officials, the ship, which was carrying over 3,000 passengers and crew members, began taking on water around 9 pm local time, approximately 200 miles southeast of the Bahamas. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the ship eventually succumbed to the flooding and sank just after 11 pm.
“It was like something out of a horror movie,” said passenger Jane Smith, who was rescued by a nearby cargo ship. “The ship was listing to one side, and people were screaming and running everywhere. I’m just grateful to be alive.”
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with multiple ships and aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Bahamas, and other nearby countries rushing to the scene. So far, over 1,500 passengers and crew members have been rescued, with many more still unaccounted for.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and are working tirelessly to support the rescue efforts and provide assistance to our guests and crew,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”
The cause of the sinking is still unknown, but an investigation has been launched by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Preliminary reports suggest that the ship may have experienced a mechanical failure or struck an underwater object, but these claims have not been confirmed.
The Carnival VIFP Club ship was on a 7-day Caribbean cruise that departed from Miami on Saturday. The ship was built in 2018 and was considered one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced in the Carnival fleet.
This tragedy marks one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent history, and it has sent shockwaves throughout the cruise industry. An emergency response center has been set up at the Port of Miami to assist families of passengers and crew members.
As the rescue efforts continue, the thoughts of the entire cruise community are with those affected by this devastating tragedy.