More than 3,100 passengers and 1,086 crew members are being guided back to port after a fire broke out aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Triumph.
The fire started in the ship’s engine room early Sunday and disabled the vessel’s main propulsion system, leaving it adrift in the Gulf of Mexico roughly 150 miles off the Yucatán Peninsula. The blaze was extinguished and there were no reported injuries.
Since the incident the ship has been running on emergency generator power while onboard technicians work to restore systems. The first of two tugboats reached the vessel on Monday to begin escorting it to port. Officials revised the original plan to tow the ship to Progreso, Mexico, and now aim to bring it to Mobile, Alabama, with an expected arrival on Thursday.
Passengers described difficult conditions during the drift: limited running water, only some toilets functioning, long lines for food and reduced air conditioning. With climate control impaired, several passengers chose to sleep on deck to stay cooler. Carnival says engineers have gradually restored some auxiliary power to support basic hotel functions.
In an update Monday, Carnival said it has remained in constant contact with the ship’s officers and is focused on passenger comfort and safety. Emergency generator power has been maintained since the fire, and technical staff aboard have restored auxiliary power to operate limited services. According to the company, some public and cabin toilets are working in parts of the ship, a limited number of elevators have power, and partial service in the Lido dining area is providing hot coffee and a restricted hot food menu.
Carnival offered compensation to all guests from the affected sailing. The company will provide a full refund for the cruise and cover transportation expenses. In addition, passengers will receive a credit equal to the fare paid toward a future cruise and will be reimbursed for shipboard purchases made during the voyage, excluding gift shop and casino charges. Carnival also announced the next two scheduled departures of the vessel have been canceled while the situation is assessed and repairs are planned.
Authorities and the ship’s crew continue to coordinate the tow and preparations for a safe arrival, and passengers are being kept informed as services are gradually restored and the vessel makes its way toward port.