Cruise ship MSC Musica rescues 8 people off Ibiza coast

MSC Cruises' ship MSC Musica assisted Spanish maritime authorities and rescued 8 people from a small vessel in distress off Ibiza on July 31st.

The ship was sailing towards Ibiza after departing Valencia on July 30th when Spanish authorities requested assistance with a vessel located ~16 mi/10 km east of the island. The craft was reportedly carrying 8 men and was equipped with a single engine.

MSC Musica deployed one of its tenders to reach the distressed vessel. The tender boat provided medical assistance and support before transferring the people directly to a Spanish Coast Guard vessel, which took responsibility for the rescue operation.

MSC confirmed that the intervention was carried out following a request from the local authorities. The company did not provide further details about the people rescued or the circumstances that left the small vessel requiring assistance.

Following the operation, MSC Musica resumed its voyage towards Ibiza. MSC said the rescue resulted in only a minimal impact on the ship's schedule.

The incident is another example of cruise ships being called upon to assist maritime authorities during operations involving small vessels in distress in the Mediterranean. MSC Musica is currently deployed on Western Mediterranean itineraries linking Spanish, Italian and French ports.