Costa Allegra is drifting without electricity, 2012-02-28

Allegra, an ageing ship operated by Costa Cruises, the Italian cruise line that also owns the wrecked Concordia, was last night drifting without power and light off the Seychelles – in waters known for piracy – after a fire in the engine room. It had 1,000 passengers and crew on board.

The ship was left without power and light. Luckily they were in calm seas and 20 miles from land so there was no immediate danger of going aground.

The vessel now is beeing towed with the help of french fisherman to the Islands of Desroches.
Costa Crociere said the Costa Allegra is not expected to arrive until Wednesday morning “It’s a big ship and to tow it, to move it across the waters, is a heavy task,” said Seychelles presidential spokeswoman Srdjana Janosevic. She said that everything is calm on board the cruise ship and that no one is hurt.

Where that leaves Costa Cruises, a popular line with the Italians, remains to be seen. It has the backing of the giant US-based Carnival Corporation, so it will not collapse, but surely a new name and a new identity is on the cards.

http://www.fleetmon.com/vessels/Costa_Allegra_13099
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/02/28/cruise-ship-help-arrives.html