Costa Allegra: Cruise Ship Stranded in Indian Ocean

by NowPublic Staff | February 27, 2012 at 02:24 pm

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Costa Allegra Stranded without Power in Pirate-Infested Waters

The Costa Allegra, sister ship to the ill-fated Costa Concordia, is adrift in the Indian Ocean with over 1,000 people aboard. The Costa Allegra lost power after a fire broke out in the engine room. The Costa Allegra was traveling between Madagascar and Seychelles at the time of the fire. No injuries have been reported.

In the aftermath of the Costa Concordia disaster, Costa Crociere director of nautical operations Giorgio Moretti saw fit to clarify that the Costa Allegra is still upright. The Costa Allegra is carrying 616 passengers and 413 crewmembers.

However, there is another risk: the Costa Allegra is stranded 200 miles southwest of the Seychelles, an area frequented by pirates. There are nine Italian marines aboard to provide security.

Tugboats have been dispatched from Seychelles to bring the stricken cruise ship to port, but they will not arrive until the evening February 28. A helicopter has also been sent to deliver food and other supplies to those aboard the Costa Allegra.

The accident – possibly caused by an electrical fault according to one company source – will further damage the reputation of Costa Cruises, which is already facing multiple law suits after the Costa Concordia crashed into rocks in Italy on 13 January, leaving 32 passengers and crew dead or still missing.