The nail-biting rescue was captured by passengers on the Regal Princess as it sailed near Grand Turk on Tuesday. The footage shows a dinghy thundering out to sea from the passenger liner towards the stoic survivors as a coast guard plane circled overhead. Floods of nervous passengers broke into cheers and applause when the rescue vessel returned bearing the pair.
The captain announced that the two, who were revealed to be American citizens, were doing well after being brought on board.
Sean Baldwin wrote on Twitter: “On a cruise and just watched @USCG and @PrincessCruises Regal crew rescue two people that ditched a light plane in the Atlantic Ocean.
“Look for the raft and @USCG plane in the photo #Heroes.”
Al Brickman said: “Amazing while onboard the Regal Princess we just witnessed our crew and the US Coast Guard rescued two people from the Caribbean that were victims of a plane crash.
“@PrincessCruises @uscoastguard thank you for being so incredible!!!”
British-born Hayley Gains said: “Super proud of my big brother who was the co-navigating officer with Captain Stringer for this rescue! @PrincessCruises.”
Princess Cruises tweeted: “We’re so proud of the whole Regal Princess team!
“It’s always a great feeling to be able to help people.”
A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: “Princess Cruises can confirm that upon request from the U.S. Coast Guard, Regal Princess assisted in the rescue of two U.S. citizens whose aircraft went down southeast of Grand Turk in the Caribbean Sea.”
“Both people rescued are now safely on board Regal Princess and the ship continues her sailing to the next port of call, St. Thomas, where the arrival time is not expected to be affected.
“Regal Princess is on day two of a seven-day Caribbean cruise.”