Saga Cruise Ship in dramatic sea rescue

The Strait of Gibraltar was the scene of a dramatic sea rescue involving passengers from the Saga cruise ship Spirit of Adventure, with nearly one thousand holiday makers on board. 

Jose Juan Juarez, a local businessman, set out solo from Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the coast of Morocco, for a morning’s quiet fishing from his specially equipped kayak.

Well over half a mile offshore, and in a choppy sea he got into difficulties and signalled SOS.  

With the swell increasing help was on its way provided by 'El Desnarigado' a small tourist boat full of sightseers from Spirit of Adventure, docked for the day en-route to Portsmouth.  

Experienced local boat owner José Antonio manoeuvred his craft with great care and with the assistance of Saga crew member, and guide for the day, Spanish speaking Deigo Tavares, managed to snatch Jose all smiling now he had been rescued.

His craft and paddles were taken on board too.

As one Saga passenger said “That’s enough excitement for one day.  We were all somewhat anxious, the shouting in Spanish not helping, but all seemed under control”.  

Jose was all smiles after the incident.

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