Azamara Quest: No Distress Call
The 180 meter long, 2000 dwt passenger ship Azamara Quest suffered a fire in the engine room while in the Sulu Sea near Mapun Island, Philippines. The crew quickly extinguished the blaze, but the fire disabled the vessel with a complete power blackout. Smoke from the fire spread to other parts of the vessel and passengers were issued life jackets. The vessel remained adrift for 24 hours before the crew was able to make repairs. The crew was able to get one of the vessel’s engines operating and restore power. The Azamara Quest proceeded to Sandakan, Boreno where it safely berthed. No reports of injuries to the 590 passengers on board. One crewman was seriously injured while another five crewmen were treated for smoke inhalation. The Azamara Quest had left Hong Kong on March 26 for a 17-day cruise around Southeast Asia.
The Azamara Quest was assisted by several vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard. Five vessels along with aircraft were dispatched to assist with the disabled cruise ship. However, the crew of the Azamara Quest did not send out a distress call to the authorities. Details to the extent of damage to the vessel has not been reported.
