Lifeboat Drops Into Water During Carnival Dream Test

A scheduled lifeboat drill aboard the Carnival Dream took an unexpected turn in Cozumel on Monday when a lifeboat detached and fell into the harbor.

The event took place shortly after midday while the vessel was docked in Mexico. Carnival Cruise Line stated that no one was hurt, as the lifeboat was being lowered without crew on board for a routine check.

Passengers shared images online showing the bright orange craft hanging at an angle from a single cable before it fell. Portions of the damaged lifeboat remained attached to the cruise ship, while the rest drifted toward the pier. Additional photos showed the broken vessel floating beside the hull.

Carnival described the cause of the malfunction, noting:
“A latch got caught on one of the cables, resulting in the vessel hanging from one end, then falling into the water below. No one was injured.”

The Carnival Dream is in the middle of a six night sailing from Galveston with visits to Costa Maya, Belize City, and Cozumel. The lifeboat mishap happened during the ship’s final port stop before its planned return to Texas on Friday.