Costa Issues Update; Situation Stable on Costa Allegra

By Susan J. Young Feb 29, 2012 1:00am

Photo courtesy of the Indian Navy

Costa Cruises issued a report at 7:30 a.m. EST about the situation on the crippled Costa Allegra. The line said the ship is currently under tow to Mahe, Seychelles and that the situation onboard is stable.

Weather conditions are said to be good. According to Costa, the arrival time of the ship at Mahe on Thursday, March 1, is subject to change according to speed and sea weather conditions. Currently, the line projects the ship's arrival at 9 a.m. Seychelles time (or 1 a.m. EST).

Costa said it's keeping the authorities updated following each contact it has with the ship.

In a later update on Wednesday, members of Costa Cruises’ Care Team reached and boarded Costa Allegra. Team members met with guests to assess their needs upon disembarkation.

Costa said 376 of 627 guests have accepted the line's proposal that the guests continue their vacation in the Seychelles — 241 decided to stay for two weeks while 135 will stay for one week.

They will be accommodated at Costa Cruises’ expense, in high-quality hotels on the following islands: Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette and Cerfs.

Costa Cruises also will arrange homeward flights at the end of their vacation.

The remaining 251 guests decided to return to their homes on flights arranged by Costa Cruises, departing Mahé Thursday evening, the line said.

On the ship, guests are receiving soft drinks and such cold foods as fruit, cold cuts and cheeses. Fresh bread is being delivered daily via helicopter.

Costa also said mineral water is being provided to guests for their personal hygiene needs.

Costa Allegra lost propulsion earlier this week, after an engine room fire. While the fire was successfully extinguished and none of the guests or crew were injured in the incident, the ship has been unable to sail on its own.

Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for further updates on this developing story.

Cruises