In a horrifying maritime disaster, a Carnival cruise ship carrying approximately 2,500 passengers was reportedly struck by massive waves during a violent storm in the Atlantic Ocean. Initial reports indicate that the cruise liner was en route from Miami to the Caribbean when it encountered the unexpected storm surge late Sunday night.
Eyewitnesses aboard the vessel described scenes of chaos and panic as towering waves, reportedly over 30 feet high, pounded the ship repeatedly. “It felt like the ship was lifted into the air and slammed back into the ocean,” said one survivor who was later rescued by the coast guard. “People were screaming, water was everywhere. It was like a nightmare come to life.”
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the distress signal was received shortly before midnight. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with helicopters and nearby vessels rushing to the scene. Thus far, several life rafts have been recovered, and dozens of passengers have been confirmed rescued. However, officials caution that many remain unaccounted for, and the full scale of the tragedy is still unfolding.
Carnival Corporation has issued a statement expressing deep concern and confirming the ongoing rescue efforts. “Our thoughts are with the guests and crew involved in this unimaginable incident. We are working closely with authorities and doing everything in our power to support search and recovery operations,” the company stated.
Marine experts believe that the ship may have encountered a rare phenomenon known as a “rogue wave”—a sudden, towering swell that can appear without warning and is capable of overwhelming even the largest vessels. While investigations are ongoing, questions are already being raised about whether the ship received adequate storm warnings and if safety protocols were sufficiently followed.
As families anxiously await news of their loved ones, authorities are urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation. A hotline has been set up for families seeking updates. The international community watches in shock as one of the worst modern maritime tragedies continues to unfold, raising serious concerns about cruise safety standards and storm preparedness.