Aida-Luna saves shipwrecked people off Spitsbergen - dramatic mission!

Aida-Luna saves shipwrecked people off Spitsbergen - dramatic mission!

On Tuesday evening, the cruise ship “Aida-Luna” received an emergency call near Spitsbergen. Another ship was in acute distress with 19 people floating on a life raft. Under the extreme conditions of 1 degree Celsius air and 3 degrees Celsius water temperature, the crew of the “Aida-Luna” showed great determination. In accordance with international maritime law, the ship immediately changed course to help the passengers in distress. Guests on board were immediately informed of the situation while a helicopter was requested to assess the situation.

The crew was ready to intervene immediately and the medical team on board was put on alert. It was initially unclear whether the shipwrecked people would be rescued by helicopter or tender boats. Ultimately, the 19 people were successfully rescued by helicopter. They were then flown to Longyearbyen Hospital to receive medical care. Despite this careful and spectacular rescue operation, the “Aida-Luna” continued on its planned route, with Iceland as the next destination on the 19-day journey.

Cruise details

The journey of the “Aida-Luna” began on May 25, 2025 in Hamburg and includes several attractive destinations. The places visited so far include the impressive fjords of Norway. The remaining planned stops are Bergen, Sortland, Hammerfest, Honningsvåg, Longyearbyen and the Shetland Islands. The return to Hamburg is expected for June 13, 2025. Despite the rescue operation, the journey remained undisturbed and the passengers were able to continue to enjoy the amenities on board.

This episode is a powerful reminder that cruise ships are not just for recreation and exploration, but can also play an important role in critical situations. The “Aida-Luna” set an example for a sense of responsibility and exemplary emergency aid.