Maritime News

Coast Guard Assists Stranded Cruise Ship Passengers

Posted on Nov 09, 2010

A damaged Carnival cruise ship has been stranded off the western coast of Mexico with nearly 4,500 passengers and crew on board. The ship became incapacitated after an engine-room fire that occurred early in the morning on Monday, November 8. The engine fire disabled the ship's power, including air conditioning, hot food service, flushing toilets and telephones.

Two American Coast Guard officers were sent onboard ship to ensure the passengers' safety until the ship could be towed to a Mexican port for repairs. The Coast Guard officers will stay with the ship until it is docked, to ensure the safety of passengers during the potentially hazardous open-water tugging operation.

No one was injured in the fire, but three passengers aboard the ship were treated in the ship's infirmary for panic attacks.
In addition to the Coast Guard, a Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, has been diverted to provide assistance and supplies to the stranded passengers.

The ship's crew is actively working to restore partial services on the cruise ship. Carnival says it will offer passengers a full refund for the current trip as well as a complimentary future cruise.