The cruise ship Carnival Splendor has come to the rescue of four stranded sailors and their three dogs after their catamaran broke down in rough seas south of New Caledonia.

The incident occurred Thursday morning when the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea received a distress signal from the disabled vessel. The catamaran, which had been sailing toward Fiji after circumnavigating Australia, suffered engine failure and a broken mast amid turbulent weather.

On board were Aussie travel bloggers Dusty and Helena, another couple, and three beloved canine companions. Their luck changed when Carnival Splendor, currently sailing an 8-day round-trip cruise from Sydney to Vanuatu and New Caledonia, was alerted to the emergency and immediately altered course.

After a five-hour journey to the scene, the Sydney-based cruise ship successfully reached the catamaran and welcomed the distressed sailors and dogs aboard. The group is now receiving food, water, rest, and medical assistance in the comfort of one of the ship’s cabins.

“They’re all okay, thankfully,” said Carnival Cruise Line’s communications director, Lynne Scrivens. “They were really lucky that we were able to come to their rescue. Quite a story to tell for them.”

With over 3,300 guests already onboard, the rescue was unexpected but heartwarming chapter in Carnival Splendor’s voyage. The ship is continuing its itinerary as planned, set to visit Mystery Island on Friday and Noumea on Saturday before returning to Sydney next Tuesday.