Help reaches stranded cruise ship off Mexico's Baja California

[News_Editor]

Help reaches stranded cruise ship off Mexico's Baja California

2010-11-10 22:16:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

ENSENADA, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- The U.S. Carnival Splendor cruise ship that was stranded off the coast of northern Mexico after a fire damaged an engine room and caused an energy cut is currently making its way to San Diego, California, but passengers are expected to remain at sea until its expected arrival on Thursday.

As Mexican tug boats reached the ship and began towing it back to San Diego, aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan diverted its training operations and approached the stranded ship in order for U.S. Navy helicopters to transport thousands of pounds of food and water to the ship.

No injuries were reported, but the energy cut has prevented the ship from having air conditioning, hot water, hot food service, or telephone calls. In addition, there has been a lack of refrigeration although the cruise line has reported that most cabin toilets have begun operating again.

On Tuesday, Carnival Cruise Lines reported that its ship, which was on a seven-day trip to the Mexican Riviera carrying 3,299 passengers and 1,167 crew members, was stranded about 88 kilometers from Punta San Jacinto, in Baja California.

The fire took place at about 6:00 a.m. local time and was controlled shortly after but the interior of the 113,000-ton and 952-foot cruise ship was immersed in smoke.

The passengers were transported to the ship's upper deck areas momentarily until the crew was able to restore control.

Even though the current plan is to tow the ship all the way to San Diego, officials have a second option, which was the initial plan, in pulling it into the closer Ensenada, Mexico.

"We are in the process of making all the necessary hotel and flight arrangements (in San Diego) for our guests," Carnival said. "If the ship is unable to maintain sufficient speed under tow, it is possible that we could revert to the previous plan and dock in Ensenada."

The cruise ship began its trip from Long Beach, California and was on a seven-day voyage to the Mexican Riviera, including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán.

The trip was canceled and the cruise line said that passengers would receive a full refund of their fare, as well as a reimbursement of their travel costs and credit for a free cruise in the future.

"We sincerely apologize to our guests for this unfortunate situation and offer our thanks for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time," Carnival president and CEO Gerry Cahill says in a statement. "The safety and comfort of our guests is our top priority and we are doing everything we can to allow them to return home as quickly as possible."

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