Passengers on the stricken Triumph "are doing well under the circumstances," Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen told Cruise Critic, after confirming the second tugboat has arrived on the scene. The two tugboats are now towing Triumph to Mobile. Originally the ship was due to be towed to Mexico
Gulliksen also confirmed the line will be flying passengers from Mobile to Houston, Cruise Critic reports.
-----
This morning the cruise ship Carnival Triumph experienced an engine room fire while the vessel was sailing approximately 150 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The ship’s automatic fire extinguishing systems activated and the fire was contained to the aft engine room. At this time, the fire is fully extinguished. No casualties or injuries to guests or crew have been reported.
The vessel is currently without propulsion and the ship is operating on emergency generator power. The ship's technical crew is continuing to assess the damage and attempting to restore power. In the meantime, a tugboat is being dispatched to the ship's location in the event it is needed. All appropriate authorities including U.S. Coast Guard have been notified
There are 3,143 guests and 1,086 crew on board and all guests have been asked to remain in the ship’s public areas and open decks for their comfort. Guests are being provided with food and refreshments. All guests on the current voyage will receive a full refund inclusive of gratuities and any transportation expenses.
Carnival Triumph is currently on a four-day cruise that departed Galveston, Texas on Thursday. Carnival has contacted guests booked on the next voyage which was scheduled to depart tomorrow to make them aware of the situation and advise that tomorrow’s voyage will not depart as scheduled. Guests have the option of cancelling now and receiving a full refund or waiting for further information to determine if a shortened, partial voyage may be possible. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
We have contacted the designated emergency contacts for all guests on board. Concerned family and loved ones of guests and crew may call 888.290.5095 or 305.406.5534.