UPDATED - Costa Allegra Change of Navigation Plan to Port Victoria
Source: Seychelles State Gov
In a statement by Costa Cruises concerning the the sistership to the ill-fated Costa Concordia, Costa Allegra’s change of navigation plan following a fire in the engine room onboard which was extinguished and left the vessel stranded in the pirate-ridden waters of the Indian Ocean; the Seychelles Government has been informed this afternoon by Costa Cruises representatives that have arrived in the country, arrangements are being made for accommodation, transfers to international flights and other necessary services upon their arrival. The Seychelles is assisting the process.
The Seychelles Coast Guard ship Andromache has reached the ship as well as a Seychelles air force plane, and together with the two tugs of the Seychelles Ports Authority, they are escorting the Costa Allegra to Port Victoria.
Expected time of arrival is between late evening of Wednesday and early morning of Thursday, depending on the sea conditions.
The vessel is carrying 1,049 passengers and crew who were reported to have been forced to stay out on the deck at all times due to the loss of power as she drifts in the Indian Ocean. She is now being towed by a French fishing vessel towards the Seychelles. Fresh food has been ferried by helicopter to the stricken liner.
Costa Crociere Update:
February 28, 2012 7p.m. - Today afternoon, around 12.30 pm CET (3:30 pm local time) the two tugs reached the Costa Allegra to assist the ship as well as the second Ocean fishing vessel. Costa Allegra continues to be towed by ocean fishing ship flying French flag “Trévignon” and maintains a speed of about 6 knots. At current speed and with stable weather conditions Costa Allegra may also anticipate its arrival in Mahé on March 1 early morning.
Tomorrow, the arrival of an helicopter will be the expected to deliver flashlights (about 400) and fresh bread, since on board it is not possible to cook it, while there is no lack of food and other comfort items.
Also thanks to the arrival of a small generator, carried by a Navy ship present on site as support, the ship crew is doing everything possible to make the situation on board more comfortable trying to restore basics services on board. The speed of the ship, despite the hot and humid climate, creates a slight breeze that helps making the situation more comfortable.
Meanwhile, today early afternoon, Costa Cruises‘s "Care Team" has arrived in Mahé: a group of 14 people made up of executives and qualified managers as well as specialized technicians with the task of providing the necessary assistance both to the ship and to passengers as well as to crew members on their arrival in Mahé.
“Care Team” members immediately met with local authorities and those responsible for the rescue coordination in order to define the operational details of passengers’ arrival on the island and to guarantee the necessary accommodation in local hotels and an efficient organization for their return back to their final destination.
Eight of them will board Costa Allegra tomorrow morning thanks to a local Navy ship to meet Guests and discuss with them all the necessary arrangements and to assist the ship’s staff in deeper technical inspections. Together with Costa “Care Team”, there will be two officers from Seychelles Immigration to smooth checks and procedures.
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