Dania Beach, FL -- A SunCruz Casino boat transferred all passengers and nonessential crew members from a La Cruise boat after it lost power Sunday night.

Around 10:30 pm, the SunCruz VI answered La Cruise's distress call. About 200 passengers were removed from the ship, and taken to Mayport.

"We put passenger and crew safety first and foremost, and when our competitors requested our assistance we did not think twice about helping them out," said Bay DeMarco, general manager of SunCruz Casinos' Jacksonville operation. "Once we had everyone on board, they were offered complimentary food and beverages on the cruise back to Mayport."

DeMarco said the Coast Guard was grateful for the assistance.

"I am proud of the way our captain and crew handled this situation, they executed this maneuver in a very professional manner" added DeMarco.