Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Carnival Splendor Update from Coast Guard - 7am

Updated- 9am eastern
The ordeal for passengers and crew aboard Carnival Splendor is not now likely to be over until later on Wednesday, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Lt Chris Johns. Johns is aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, which arrived on the scene at approximately 1:00 am (Pacific time).

Carnival Splendor is currently about 80 nautical miles west of Baja California and about 90 miles away from Ensenada.

Johns said the master of Carnival Splendor has told the Coast Guard that the ship is still operating only with their auxiliary generator which is powering all navigation equipment, emergency detection and suppression systems and basic systems such as sewage and water. There is still no propulsion. There was no structural damage to the vessel from the fire, and there is no flooding.

(Update 9am eastern time - Carnival reports that last night the ship’s engineers were able to restore toilet service to all cabins and public bathrooms, as well as cold running water. They are continuing to work to restore other services.)

They are expecting the arrival of two oceangoing tugs from Ensenada late this morning which will tow Carnival Splendor the 90 miles back to Ensenada, where arrangements are being made for passengers to return home. Johns said once the two begins it will take about 24 hours to cover the distance to Ensenada, but as of now, this appears to be the safest way to get the passengers to land.

Original article and updates