During a shore excursion near Adele Island along Western Australia’s Kimberley coast, Silversea’s Silver Cloud unexpectedly diverted to rescue dozens of passengers after they were caught by a swift tide. Approximately 70 guests and 10 expedition guides found themselves stranded in small boats or wading across exposed coral beds when the tide fell sharply while they were about four nautical miles from the cruise ship.
As the tide receded, many passengers and crew had little choice but to traverse some 500 metres of coral reef to reach deeper water, where other Zodiacs dispatched from the ship could collect them. Reports noted several cases of scrapes and twisted ankles, but no major injuries. A smaller cohort remained ashore in darkness for several hours until high tide returned later that evening, allowing them to rejoin the vessel close to 10 p.m. local time.
A spokesperson for the Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Silversea, confirmed that all guests and crew were safely back aboard Silver Cloud and that injured passengers received prompt medical attention, reaffirming that guest and crew safety remains the company’s top priority.
Adele Island, an uninhabited atoll situated roughly 150 km north of Cape Leveque, is designated an A-Class reserve and is recognised for its bird nesting habitats and turtle populations. Local ranger and traditional owner Phillip “Bibido” McCarthy emphasised the importance of recognising the Kimberley’s dramatic tidal swings—among the largest in the Southern Hemisphere—and warned that even local residents can become stranded without such awareness.
Following the rescue, Silver Cloud resumed its Kimberley itinerary, proceeding to Talbot Bay to continue its expedition.
For more Silver Cloud incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.