Costa Deliziosa Rescues Eight Sailors From Sinking Yacht

Costa Cruises' Costa Deliziosa carried out the rescue of eight people on board a yacht that was sinking in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Captain Giuseppe Longo, master of Costa Deliziosa, which is currently on a 100-day world cruise that left Savona, Italy Jan. 6, received a call from the Delgada Coast Guard in Portugal requesting assistance for a sailing vessel in distress.

At the time, Costa Deliziosa was crossing the Atlantic en route to Antigua in the Caribbean, with arrival scheduled the morning of Jan. 17. The ship left the planned course and sailed approximately 170 miles southeast to reach the stricken sailboat. 

The yacht Buccanier had struck an unidentified object and was taking on water. 

Despite adverse sea and weather conditions with 10-foot waves, the rescue operation was conducted successfully. The crewmembers -- six Spaniards, one Argentine and one Belgian -- of Buccanier were taken onboard Costa Deliziosa. All are reported to be in good condition.

After the rescue, Costa Deliziosa resumed course for Antigua.

For more information, visit www.costacruise.com.