Harrison caught the rescue and posted to his Instagram account.
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However, the images he took Saturday went viral when the cruise ship he and other Pittsburgh athletes are aboard stopped to help rescue 16 people stranded on a raft in the Gulf of Mexico.
Carnival spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz confirmed the rescue.
A Coast Guard spokesman told ABC News that the Coast Guard received a report from Carnival Sensation of the rescue of 16 suspected migrants.
He took a second picture showing the crowded boat, writing: ’16 people, wild!!!’ One of those legends onboard was former professional American football player James Harrison.
According to the cruise’s itinerary, the ship traveled from Key West, Fla., to Cozumel, Mexico Saturday, taking them right by nearby Cuba.
“We have really good relationships with the cruise ships, we have an agreement that if they come across any migrants and they can safely embark them they will do so”.
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Among those thought to be on board the cruise liner were former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Manny Sanguillen and Pittsburgh Penguins centre Bryan Trottier.
