For the second time in as many months, a Costa Cruise ship has lost power and left its passengers unexpectedly stranded. Earlier today, a fire broke out in the engine room onboard the Costa Allegra. The fire left the ship stranded in pirate infested waters operating on emergency power sources.
At least one thousand passengers and crew are awaiting rescue in the Indian Ocean about 200 miles from the Seychelles island nation. According to the cruise line, which is owned by Carnival Corporation, the fire has been extinguished and no injuries were reported. Italian Coast Guard Commander Cosimo Nicastro has stated everyone aboard the luxury cruise ship is safe and that the weather is not currently a concern.
The Seychelles Navy purportedly launched tug boats and rescue vessels to assist the Costa Allegra. Other nearby vessels, including a French fishing boat, also agreed to lend aid to the stranded cruise ship. Costa Cruises currently has crews inspecting the engine room for damage and is hopeful the ship may become operational again soon.
The Costa Allegra was en route to the Seychelles from Madagascar when the fire broke out. The month long cruise was scheduled to stop at several east African island nations before ending in Savona, Italy. Eight United States citizens are reportedly onboard the ship.
Last month, the Costa Concordia made headlines when it struck a rock formation off of the coast of Italy. The ship lost power, began taking on water, and capsized near the island of Giglio. At least 32 people were killed in the accident.
A personal injury can suddenly arise in any number of settings, including on a luxury cruise vacation. If you were hurt while either traveling as a passenger, or working as a crew member on a cruise ship, it is a good idea to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer. Personal injury claims which occur on a cruise ship or other vessel are often subject to an assortment of federal, state, and international laws. Because of this, the time during which you may file your claim can be extremely limited and the process for recovery is often cumbersome. If you were hurt in a cruise ship accident, an experienced personal injury advocate can assist you in seeking the compensation your injuries merit.
Despite a variety of safety measures, cruise ship accidents can occur at any time. If you were the victim of a personal injury while traveling on a cruise ship, contact the law firm of Lazarus & Lazarus, P.A. Our Miami cruise ship accident attorneys will help you protect your rights and negotiate a fair settlement. Our law firm represents clients throughout the State of Florida including Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Orlando, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Dade County. To discuss your case with one of our diligent personal injury lawyers, contact Lazarus & Lazarus through our website or call us today at (954) 356-0006.
More Blogs:
Marion County Explosion Kills One Woman, Injures Another, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Blog, February 12, 2012
Civil and Criminal Trials Against Polo Magnate Who Adopted 42-year-old Girlfriend Begin Soon, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Blog, February 12, 2012
Additional Resources:
Cruise Ship Adrift in Pirate Infested Indian Ocean, by Bazi Kanani, ABC News
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