On December 23, the 220 meter long passenger cruise ship Costa Neoclassica caught fire while en route to Aqaba. The blaze started in the vessel’s smokestack, but was quickly extinguished by the crew. The vessel was able to continue under its own power to Aqaba. An inspection in port found damage was limited to the external portion of the funnel. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Costa Neoclassiaca was able to leave port for a voyage to Mauritius.
The 180 meter long passenger cruise ship Insignia caught fire while berthed in Castries, St. Lucia. The fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room and the Insignia lost power. The crew was able to contain the fire it was quickly extinguished. However, five persons, crew and contractors, were working in the engine room at the time. All were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation with 2 contractors and 1 crewman perished from their injuries. All the passengers were evacuated off the vessel. Reports state passengers and crew were being accommodated at local hotels until transportation can be arranged.
The 580 foot long passenger cruise ship Marco Polo ran aground off Gravdal, Norway. The Marco Polo was passing too close to the rocky shore when it ran aground. Multiple tugs and Coast Guard vessels arrived on scene. Their efforts to refloat the cruise ship failed. The Marco Polo was able to refloat itself later with the rising tide. No reports of injuries to crew or passengers on board. The Marco Polo proceeded to a quay in Buksnesfjord.