World’s largest cruise liner rescues 14 people who had been stranded at sea for eight days

Crew members from the world’s biggest cruise ship rescued 14 people who had been lost at sea for just over a week.

Icon of the Seas was on its way from Honduras, in Central America, to Miami when an alarming broadcast was heard over the speakers.

"Code Oscar, code Oscar, code Oscar,” was heard by passengers all over the 1,198ft liner – the emergency call sign for someone who has gone overboard.

The liner was turned around and pulled up as close to the stranded group’s tiny boat as possible.

Icon of the Seas then launched a smaller boat to shuttle them on board.

The ship’s operator Royal Caribbean said it had encountered a boat “in need of assistance”.

It added: "The ship's crew immediately launched a rescue operation, safely bringing 14 people on board.

"The crew provided them with medical attention, and is working closely with the US Coast Guard."

As the world’s biggest cruise liner, Icon of the Seas can host 5,610 guests and 2,350 crew members.

It has 20 decks, 2,800 guest cabins and seven swimming pools.