A group of Samoan crew members serving on the MSC Splendida has been commended following a rescue operation off the coast of Mallorca on October 26th, 2025, during which 19 migrants, including 2 children, were saved from drowning.
The incident occurred approximately 20 NM (37 km/23 km) south of the Cabrera Archipelago in Spain's Balearic Islands.
According to Spain’s central government delegation in the Balearics, the cruise ship responded to a distress alert regarding a small, overcrowded vessel carrying migrants from the Maghreb region. Upon arrival, several individuals were observed in the water, struggling to remain afloat.
MSC Splendida’s crew deployed life-saving equipment and lowered a ladder to recover those overboard.
The operation, which lasted just over half an hour in rough sea conditions, resulted in the successful rescue of all 19 persons—16 men, 1 woman, and 2 children aged three and four.
The ship’s safety team, led by Captain Giuseppe Maresca and Safety Officer Antonio Bovento, coordinated the response, maintaining order and ensuring safety throughout.
The Samoan seafarers involved were later recognised by Samoa Shipping Services (SSS), their crewing agency, for their professionalism and adherence to maritime duty. Captain Maresca hosted a private dinner in the Captain’s Lounge to thank the crew personally for their composure and decisive action under pressure.
In line with standard procedure, the rescued individuals remained aboard until MSC Splendida’s scheduled call at Barcelona, where they were transferred to local authorities and placed under the care of social services.
In a statement, Samoa Shipping Services noted that the event underscored the essential contribution Samoan seafarers make to international maritime safety. The agency commended the crew’s actions as an example of seamanship and humanitarian responsibility consistent with long-standing maritime tradition.
For more MSC Splendida incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.