MAGIC responding to May Day call of coast of Spain

[melli_fera]

From John Heald's Facebook page:

 

off to the bridge - we have a May Day May Day from a small boat52 minutes ago

 

 

im on ther bridge using my lap top. French small craft - father and son onboard - no engines. I have informed the guests as we have full thrusters on50 minutes ago

 

 

the boat is called the Jean Michele and they dont want to abandon her. We are now waiting for Spanish coastguard to come and using the ship to give her some protection from 10 - 12 ft waves and 40 knots of wind. Its a dangerous time as we cant get to close. We have a rescue boat standing by. ETA of Spanish Coastguard 2 hours from now13 minutes ago

 

 

not sure about Messina arrival on Tuesday. Dont want to ask Captain now, hes a bit busy. Around 300 guests outside watching and more on balconies - at 2:25am !!!!11 minutes ago

 

goodness me, that was a huge roll then from the motor yacht. we have the ships spotlight on her.10 minutes ago

 

 

link to facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/JohnHeald

[Cyn7]

wind is getting stronger, the ship is bouncing a bit as the Captain keeps her alongside the Yacht - we are approx 100 metres away and thats about as close as we can safely get

[cruisinskier]

Hope all works out well for all involved. And hope those onboard get to the next scheduled port close to the scheduled arrival time....

[Cyn7]

John has posted some photos and man that is a small boat.

[melli_fera]

they've started posting pictures. Magic is trying to shield the small craft best she can. I pray this ends well.

[kelkel2]

These people are so fortunate to have Carnival so close by. I just hope everything turns out ok and the sea calms soon!

[momof4boys]

Amazing pictures!! I hope all goes well!

[tree.critter]

This is fascinating to watch this unfold almost live, some great pictures and I'm hoping this will all have a good and safe ending. Those seas look a bit rough, I'd love to be on my balcony watching this unfold:eek::eek:

[Alliezona09]

The picture of the spot light on the boat is amazing~!!!

[kyrisong1]

I pray the rescue goes well. We rescued a craft with some cubans onboard a few years back on the Glory, it was a middle of the night rescue too. We didn't even notice the drama was happening!! All we safe onboard waiting for coast guard.

Lucky there are cruise ships to rescue people :D

[Alan the sponge]

I have read how many people here dislike John and all he does but at times like this I think even the haters must appreciate him keeping us informed. Who am I kidding though.

[capndinghy]

From John Heald's Facebook page:

 

off to the bridge - we have a May Day May Day from a small boat52 minutes ago

 

 

im on ther bridge using my lap top. French small craft - father and son onboard - no engines. I have informed the guests as we have full thrusters on50 minutes ago

 

 

the boat is called the Jean Michele and they dont want to abandon her. We are now waiting for Spanish coastguard to come and using the ship to give her some protection from 10 - 12 ft waves and 40 knots of wind. Its a dangerous time as we cant get to close. We have a rescue boat standing by. ETA of Spanish Coastguard 2 hours from now13 minutes ago

 

 

not sure about Messina arrival on Tuesday. Dont want to ask Captain now, hes a bit busy. Around 300 guests outside watching and more on balconies - at 2:25am !!!!11 minutes ago

 

goodness me, that was a huge roll then from the motor yacht. we have the ships spotlight on her.10 minutes ago

 

 

link to facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/JohnHeald

 

Kudos to the Navigational crew on the Carnival Magic for showing exceptional seamanship in keeping on station and aiding a small craft in very heavy seas, while awaiting the arrival of the Spanish Coast

Guard!