Costa Allegra Gets More Ship Escorts, Generator, Bread

Costa Cruises said the disabled Costa Allegra got three more ship escorts as it was being towed by the French shipping ship Trévignon at a speed of about 6 knots. At the current speed and with stable weather conditions, Costa Allegra is expected to arrive at Mahé, Seychelles, in the early morning of March 1. Two tug boats and a second ocean-going fishing vessel reached Costa Allegra to assist the ship if needed. Costa Allegra lost its propulsion system after a fire in the generator room on Feb. 27. It was drifting in the Indian Ocean until the Trévignon arrived to tow it to safety. On Feb. 29, Costa expects a helicopter to deliver about 400 flashlights and fresh bread. There is sufficient food and other "comfort items" on board. Also, a small generator was delivered by a local Navy ship that to help restore basic services. Costa’s Care Team arrived at Mahé on Feb. 28. The group of 14 people includes executives and managers as well as specialized technicians. The team is tasked with providing assistance to the ship, guests and crewmembers on their arrival at Mahé. Care Team members are meeting with local authorities to arrange operational details of guests’ arrival at the island. Top priority was given to securing necessary accommodations at hotels and organizing an efficient process for making guests’ travel arrangements. Costa said eight members of the Care Team will board Costa Allegra the morning of Feb. 29 via a local Navy ship to meet guests and discuss arrangements and to assist the ship’s staff in thorough technical inspections. Two officers from Seychelles Immigration will also arrive to facilitate customs procedures.