Disney cruise ship rescues four sailors from sinking 50ft catamaran

A Disney cruise ship in the theme of Mickey-Mouse has saved a family of four after their boat started to sink in the North Atlantic.

The boat, known as the Serenity, suffered a gasket failure in the escape hatch, leading it to intake water.

The Disney Treasure was only 80 miles away when a distress call was put out by the US Coast Guard.

Lt Commander Michael Rauch of the US Coast Guard said: “The sailors were doing everything they could but were in a dire situation.

“It was a married couple, their daughter and their cousin.”

The 1,115-foot-long themed cruise launched a small boat which collected all four passengers on board, with no injuries reported.

Captain of the Disney ship, Marco Nogra, said: “We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril.

“Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety.”

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The four sinking sailors were rescued only an hour after the distress call was made.

The cruise ship has not yet held its maiden voyage with passengers, with that scheduled for December 21.

Lt Commander Michael Rauch concluded: “They got a free ride back to the US, and on one of the best cruise ships in the world.

“I’m sure they’re enjoying every minute of it.”