Engine fire leaves Carnival cruise ship powerless
Carnival Cruise Lines ship Carnival Triumph was left powerless 150 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico after an engine room fire.
The 3,143 passengers were remaining in the ship’s public areas and open decks. They were being provided with food and refreshments.
The ship’s automatic fire extinguishing systems activated and the blaze was contained to the aft engine room before being extinguished.
No casualties or injuries to guests or crew have been reported, Carnival said.
“The vessel is currently without propulsion and the ship is operating on emergency generator power,” the cruise line said on Sunday night.
All appropriate authorities including the US Coast Guard have been notified
“The ship's technical crew is continuing to assess the damage and attempting to restore power. In the meantime, a tugboat is being dispatched to the ship's location in the event it is needed,” a company statement said.
The vessel, with 1,086 crew on board, was on a four-day cruise from Galveston in Texas. The next cruise due to depart on Monday has been cancelled.
Passengers on the ship are being offered a full refund inclusive of gratuities and any transportation expenses.
Passengers on the cancelled sailing are being given the option of cancelling and receiving a full refund or waiting for further information to determine if a shortened, partial voyage may be possible.
In an updated statement Carnival said a tugboat had been called out to tow Carnival Triumph to the nearest port at Progreso in Mexico. It is due to arrive on Wednesday afternoon when passengers will be flown back to the US.
Another Carnival ship, Carnival Elation, was sent to transfer additional food and drink to the powerless vessel.
Carnival said: “We have contacted the designated emergency contacts for all guests presently on board Carnival Triumph.”
The next two voyages of Carnival Triumph, due to depart today (Monday) and February 16 have now been cancelled.
Carnival said: “Guests scheduled to sail on either of those voyages will receive a full refund, reimbursement for non-refundable travel expenses and a 25% discount on a future three to five-day cruise.”
