Engine Room Fire Disables Cruise Ship

The cruise ship Boudicca is heading slowly towards the Canary Islands after suffering an engine room fire off Morocco on Sunday.

The ship, carrying 784 guests and 356 crew members, was left without power for about five hours. Two of the ship’s engines are reported to be disabled as a result of the fire which has now been extinguished.

The BBC reports texts from passengers that indicate that they experienced smoke and some put on life jackets, but the situation remained calm. The ship listed for a short time.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has issued a statement saying there have been no injuries and there is a good atmosphere on board. “The ship’s master has confirmed that at no point were guests asked to don their lifejackets and gather at the muster stations, as the situation was contained within the engine room by our crew members. Services are operating normally, and guests are enjoying the usual activities on board, both inside and out on deck.”

(The company provided the picture above as evidence of guests continuing to enjoy the cruise.)

“We are reviewing the itinerary and assessing the extent of the damage to the two main engines and electrical cables and will make any repairs necessary at the next port of call. A revised itinerary will be advised in due course. The safety and well-being of all guests and crew on board Boudicca is Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s utmost priority, and we continue to liaise with the relevant maritime authorities.”

Boudicca is on an 18-night D1502 ‘Cape Verde & the Canaries’ cruise, which departed from Southampton on 20th January 2015. The ship sailed from Cadiz, Spain on Saturday January 24 and was scheduled to arrive in Arrecife, Lanzarote tomorrow morning, Monday January 26.