A honeymoon cruise in the Maldives turned into a harrowing survival story for Brazilian doctor Caio Gomes and his wife, businesswoman Fernanda Diniz, after their boat capsized on March 2. The couple, along with 56 other passengers and three crew members, was left stranded at sea when a powerful wave struck their vessel, reported the New York Post.
Gomes recalled that the wave was “really big,” but the boat continued moving for another 20 minutes before it gradually began leaning to one side. He speculated that the impact may have damaged the vessel’s gutter, allowing water to seep in.
Harrowing escape
Despite the worsening situation, Gomes claimed that the crew did not inform passengers about the sinking. Instead, they were simply told to put on lifejackets and jump into the water. “The exit from the boat was peaceful; no one was too scared, and no one was hurt,” he said.
However, panic set in when the newlyweds discovered their life vests were not inflating. Desperate, they swam until they found a stray lifejacket, which they clung to for survival. Comparing the ordeal to the famous “Titanic” scene, Gomes said, “We managed to hold on to the life jacket and floated on it, and it held us both up.”
{{/usCountry}}However, panic set in when the newlyweds discovered their life vests were not inflating. Desperate, they swam until they found a stray lifejacket, which they clung to for survival. Comparing the ordeal to the famous “Titanic” scene, Gomes said, “We managed to hold on to the life jacket and floated on it, and it held us both up.”
{{/usCountry}}The couple remained in the water for 30 to 40 minutes before another vessel arrived and rescued them. Although everyone survived without injuries, Gomes admitted the psychological impact was severe. “There were no injuries, no scratches, nothing — just psychological trauma because it was a huge blow for us,” he said.
The only loss was a backpack containing their passports, forcing them to seek assistance from the Brazilian embassy in Sri Lanka to return home.