The Carnival Triumph suffered an engine room fire this morning while on transit from Mexico back to her homeport of Galveston, Texas. The ship is currently operating on minimal power in the Gulf of Mexico with 3,143 guests and 1,086 crew onboard. She is currently adrift as crew work to gain more power back from the remaining generators to the propulsion units. All pax are currently congregating in public areas and outside decks. Looks like a repeat of the Carnival Splendor fire of November 2010.
While no official word has come down yet, her next voyage leaving tomorrow will be canceled (perhaps shortened but I doubt it). A tug could get there tomorrow then probably a 2 day transit under tow back to Texas. Mexico.
UPDATE: Official word has come down from Carnival:
The vessel is currently without propulsion and the ship is operating on emergency generator power. The ship’s technical crew has determined the vessel will need to be towed to port. A tugboat is en route to the ship’s location and will tow the vessel to Progreso, Mexico, which is the closest port to the ship’s current location. This will enable us to disembark guests and get them home as quickly as possible. The ship is expected to arrive in Progreso Wednesday afternoon and guests will be flown from there back to the U.S
UPDATE 2: The Triumph’s next two voyages Feb 11 and Feb 16 have been officially cancelled.
UPDATE Monday (am): The Triumph’s freshwater system has been restored, as well as the forward sewage system according to the US Coast Guard. The Carnival Legend will sail close by today to transfer off any guests needing power for medical reasons.
Power has been restored to a few elevators as well as some parts of Lido Deck to warm up food
UPDATE Monday (pm): Carnival is also sending more Engineers and Guest Personnel crew members onboard one of the tugs (or an additional launch) to assist the Triumph.
We have pictures:
courtesy of USCG