Carnival cruise ship drifting after engine fireÂ
February 11, 2013
A Carnival cruise ship is drifting in the Gulf of Mexico, as a fire caused the ship to be dead in the water, according to NBC News. The fire in the engine room broke out on Sunday morning, and even though no one was injured, the fire left the ship without propulsion and it is now running on emergency generator power. However, this power does not allow the ship, which is named the Triumph, to actually move.Â
The ship, which is currently about 150 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, contains 3,142 passengers and 1,086 cruise members. There are a number of efforts being made to ensure that this experience is as enjoyable as possible for those still on the ship, according to the media outlet.Â
"Currently, public and cabin toilets are operational in certain sections of the ship, power has been restored to a limited number of elevators, and some power in the Lido dining area is providing for hot coffee and limited hot food service," Carnival said, the news source reports. "Guests have been supplied with food and refreshments throughout yesterday and this morning and the ship has supplies on board to last until the vessel returns to port."Â
According to CNN, two tugboats are on their way to the Triumph and will tow the ship to Progreso, Mexico, which is the closest port to the cruise's location. From there, the passengers will be flown back to the United States at no cost to them. It is expected that they will arrive in Progreso late Wednesday.Â
No medical emergencies have been reported since the engine caught fire. Food and beverages were taken on Sunday night to the ship from its sister ship, the Carnival Elation. Another cruise ship, the Carnival Legend, is also in route to bring the passengers and crew some food and water, and they are expected to arrive on Monday evening, the media outlet reports.Â
"Right now we believe everything here is safe and secure," the Coast Guard's Greg Magee told the news source. "The communication with the master [of the cruise ship] has been open and honest."
Those who want to talk about the recent fire on the cruise ship off of the Yucatan Peninsula can make calls to Mexico using an international calling card.Â