Allegra update: Delay drags on for passengers on stricken ship

Tuesday 15:00hrs

Costa Cruises is working to restore basic services onboard the powerless Costa Allegra as it is towed across the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles, where the 1,000-plus passengers and crew who have been stranded since Monday will be able to disembark.

The ship, which is being towed by a fishing ship and two tugs at a speed of only 6 knots, is expected to reach Mahe in the Seychelles at 9am local time tomorrow (5am GMT), but Costa stressed the time was subject to change depending on weather and sea conditions.

The company said it had secured 400 hotel rooms and 600 flights to enable passengers and crew to fly home.

A helicopter was due to deliver 400 flashlights and fresh bread to the ship this morning since a fire, which broke out in the generator room on Monday, knocked out all power and there are no lights, cooking facilities or hot water on board.

Mineral water is also being delivered for personal hygiene needs.

Costa issued a statement saying there was "no lack of food and other comfort items", adding that, thanks to a small generator, provided by a naval vessel which had gone to assist the Allegra, "the ship crew is doing everything possible to make the situation on board more comfortable trying to restore basics services on board.

"The speed of the ship, despite the hot and humid climate, creates a slight breeze that helps making the situation more comfortable."

Although communications with the Allegra are limited due to a lack of power, there have been reports that passengers are sleeping on deck due to the unbearable heat inside the ship since the air-conditioning was knocked out by the fire.

Eight members of Costa’s "care team", including managers, are expected to board the Allegra from a navy vessel this morning to meet guests and discuss arrangements when they reach the Seychelles and to inspect the damaged ship.

There will also be two officers from Seychelles immigration "to smooth checks and procedures".

Additional Costa executives have arrived in Mahe to secure hotel accommodation for the passengers – among them 31 Britons – and crew on the island and to make arrangements to fly them home.

The stricken ship was originally due to be towed to Desroches Island (see earlier story), where it would have arrived this morning, but it switched course yesterday when maritime officials warned the island could not accommodate such a large vessel.

By Linsey McNeill
 

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