The 278 meter long passenger cruise ship Carnival Triumph suffered a fire in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Mexico near the Yucatan Peninsula. The fire started in the vessel’s aft engine room. The crew activated the automated fire extinguishing systems which was able to contain and extinguish the blaze. No reports of injuries to the 3,143 guest or 1,086 crew on board. Passengers were asked to stay in the public areas while being provided food and refreshments. The fire damaged the Triumph’s main engines disabling the vessel. The cruise ship is operating only on emergency power while the crew attempted to make repairs. A few hours later, the crew determined that the vessel would require a tow. The Coast Guard was notified of the situation with a tug dispatched to the scene. The tug will arrive and tow the Carnival Triumph to the port of Progreso, Mexico where passengers will be flown back to the United States. Carnival announced that all the passengers will receive some compensation, but it was not clear if it was credit for a future trip or a full refund.
Other Notable Carnival related incidents
- November 2010 – Carnival Splendor suffers fire in Pacific Ocean and left without power for days. US Navy provided aid as conditions deteriorated. Vessel towed to San Diego.
- January 2012 – Costa Concordia goes aground and capsizes near Isola del Giglio, Italy leaving 32 people dead. Vessel declared a total loss.
- February 2012 – Costa Allegra suffers engine room fire in Indian Ocean. A fishing vessel tows the disabled vessel to the Seychelles. Vessel scrapped later that year.
More about about incidents aboard Cruise Ships:
- Costa Concordia (shipwrecklog.com)