The adrift cruise ship that lost power near the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean will have a longer route than previously expected.
Officials with Costa Cruises, the same company that owns the Costa Concordia, the cruise ship that crashed last month, said the stricken Costa Allegra won’t reach land until Thursday morning, according to a statement.
The ship lost power on Monday after a fire broke out in its generator room and requires tugboats to bring it back to land. There are around 1,000 passengers and crew on board the vessel.
Costa initially said the ship would be towed to Desroches, located near Seychelles, but decided instead to tow it to Mahe, the largest Seychelles island, citing safety and logistical reasons. The company said that facilities on Desroches would be inadequate for the number of passengers on the ship.
“Helicopters will ensure a continuous supply of food, comfort items, and flashlights in order to mitigate guests’ discomfort given the difficult conditions on board,” the company stated. The ship has no air conditioner or cooking facilities.
The ship had left Madagascar and was cruising toward Port Victoria in the Seychelles when the fire took place.
