Over 50 passengers were rescued after a catamaran sank off the coast of the Dominican Republic while ferrying tourists from the cruise ship Mein Schiff 1.

The vessel, named Boca de Yuma I, unexpectedly took on water during a shore excursion and fully submerged, prompting a rapid rescue by the Dominican navy.

All passengers were reported safe, with no injuries, and have since returned to the cruise ship, which is en route from New York to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

TUI Cruises confirmed the incident involved an external excursion provider and emphasized that guest safety remains the top priority, The Mirror has reported.

Authorities and the cruise line are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.