South Carolina Couple Stranded in Africa

Cruise Ship Leaves Without Them

A couple from Garden City, South Carolina, find themselves stranded in Africa, following a romantic cruise. Jill and Jay Campbell were left behind when their tour guide failed to get them back to the ship on time, leading to a massive 5,960 miles from home predicament.

The Unfortunate Turn

The Campbell’s African cruise journey started on March 20. They planned for a memorable time aboard the Norwegian cruise ship but events took a shocking turn when their small island tour off western Africa in Sao Tome and Principe ran overtime, causing them to miss the ship’s departure.

“We informed our tour operator about the time constraints, and they assured us that we would make it back within an hour,” Jay Campbell explained. Despite the tour operator contacting the ship’s captain about the delay, the ship left without the eight passengers.

Hoisted Hopes

Upon their belated arrival, the group saw the ship still anchored. They thought they still had a chance to board the ship. “The Harbor Master tried contacting the ship,” Jay Campbell recalled, “But the captain didn’t receive the call.”

The stranded group was then carried by the Sao Tome coast guard to the proximity of the anchored ship. But again, their hopes crashed when the captain ordered the coast guard to return the passengers to the island.

Humanitarian Crisis

With no port scheduled for the following day, the ship could have easily accommodated the late passengers. The incident has raised several concerns as the group includes seven Americans and two Australians, four elderly people, a passenger with a heart condition, a paraplegic, and a pregnant woman.

While stranded, the group came across an 80-year-old woman who suffered from concussion and partial vision loss and was left at a hospital without any belongings or money. The lady’s emergency contact was not informed. “I believe we were put in this place for the old woman who was left alone. What would have happened to her if we were not here?” Jay wondered.

Financial Troubles And Uncertain Future

None of the stranded passengers had their medication or credit cards accepted on the island. Jill and Jay Campbell, the only ones with a Visa card, pitched in over $5,000 in food, toiletries, and accommodation expenses for the group.

Jill Campbell’s prudence, strength, and compassion have been the glue holding this group together. “I’m honored and blessed to have her by my side,” Jay expressed with a sigh of relief.

The group is now getting aid from the U.S. Embassy in Angola. They plan to fly to Gambia on Sunday but will only be allowed on the ship if the cruise line approves their request. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line has not given any comment on the incident.