FEBRUARY 11, 2013 — In an update issued at 11.25 a.m. today, Carnival Cruises said that the cruise ship Carnival Triumph remained without propulsion, awaiting the arrival of two tugboats which will tow the ship to Progreso, Mexico, which is the closest port to the ship's current location.
The ship lost power yesterday following an engine room fire that was extinguished by the ship's crew. No injuries were reported. There are 3,143 guests and 1,086 crew on board (see earlier story).
Carnival says that the ship has maintained emergency generator power since the fire occurred and the technical team on board has been successful in gradually restoring auxiliary power to operate some basic hotel functions. Currently, public and cabin toilets are operational in certain sections of the ship, power has been restored to a limited number of elevators, and some power in the Lido dining area is providing for hot coffee and limited hot food service. Guests have been supplied with food and refreshments throughout yesterday and this morning and the ship has supplies on board to last until the vessel returns to port.
Yesterday afternoon, the Carnival Elation rendezvoused with the Carnival Triumph and supplied dinners for the guests on Carnival Triumph, along with additional provisions. Early this afternoon, the Carnival Legend will also be on site to do the same.
In this morning's update, Carnival said that a team consisting of additional technical crew and guest service personnel was en route to the vessel and is expected to arrive via boat later today. A U.S. Coast Guard cutter was reported on site next to the Carnival Triumph and in communication with the ship.