A cruise ship nearly hit a pontoon boat in Tampa Bay this week after the boat had mechanical issues and drifted into the ship’s path, according to Cruise News Today.
The boat was disabled due to a line wrapping around its propeller. About four minutes later, a cruise ship sailed by, causing Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies with the agency’s marine unit to perform an emergency tow of the boat. At least six adults were rescued from the pontoon boat. Deputies stayed with the boat until it was operable.
Last year, a couple was stranded in the Tampa Bay awaiting help after a cruise ship caused a wake that overturned.