I think this helps balance the books so to speak. Now if Carnival is being run badly that must be fixed. But this precedent worries me. It could make a captain slower to ask for help if his boss will be billed for big money.

The cruise line noted that its ships frequently participate in rescues at the Coast Guard’s request, including 11 times in the past year in Florida and Caribbean waters. It did not make direct reference to repaying any money.