Carnival Spirit rescues 24 on small boat in distress

The Carnival Cruise Line ship was en route to Aruba, sailing near the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, when officers spotted the boat in distress.

The crew brought all 24 people to safety. They were checked by the ship’s medical personnel and found to be in good condition.

Carnival Spirit's officers contacted Coast Guard officials from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to coordinate a transfer. At 3 p.m., a Coast Guard cutter arrived to complete the transfer near La Romana, Dominican Republic, and Carnival Spirit resumed its voyage.

The ship had no scheduled stops on Tuesday and its call at Aruba on Wednesday will be as scheduled. Carnival Spirit departed PortMiami April 8 on a weeklong round-trip cruise.