Couple's Dramatic Rescue at Sea Ends with a Surprise Engagement

Dramatic Rescue at Sea Leads to Engagement Announcement A couple sailing the South Pacific with their three dogs faced a terrifying ordeal when a violent storm struck their catamaran, leaving them stranded and damaged 170 nautical miles from New Caledonia. The storm, described by Dustin Leonard as "a bumpy start," ultimately led to the loss of their mast and significant damage to their vessel. "Everyone was quite scared," Leonard recounted. Their hope arrived in the form of the Carnival Splendor cruise ship, which diverted for five hours to perform the daring rescue. Captain Eduardo Ferron, who oversaw the rescue, compared the maneuver to "riding an elephant through a china shop." The crew successfully brought the couple and their three dogs to safety. Following their ordeal, Leonard and his partner, Helena Franzach, announced their engagement, adding a heartwarming twist to their harrowing experience. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness and the remarkable acts of kindness that can occur amidst challenging circumstances.