Yesterday Cruise Hive reported on a fire which broke out onboard the Black Watch cruise ship on Friday morning (July 1). The British based cruise line has now released further details on the developing aftermath of the fire which damaged three out of a total of seven Auxiliary Engines.
The fire broke out in the ship’s Auxiliary Engine Room which thankfully caused no injuries and was extinguished by the ship’s crew. The 28,600 gross ton ships scheduled call at Madeira did go ahead today despite damage to the ship. The cruise line stated the Black watch did arrive 2 hours earlier than expected.
After assessing the impact, the cruise line stated “cabling damage has prevented the other two main engines from running, and it is anticipated that the repairs will cause disruption to guests during the recabling. Therefore, we have made the decision – in the best interests of guests’ comfort and enjoyment – to fly them home from Funchal. Our intention is to charter a private aircraft for our guests back to the UK over the next few days, at Fred. Olsen’s expense.”
The captain has kept all guests informed on the very latest. Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and supporting staff are also arriving onboard today to get feedback from guests and no doubt help arrange travel plans back home.
There 696 passengers on the Fred Olsen cruise ship which is currently on a 13-night ‘Portuguese Island & Cities’ cruise. The ship is expected back at its home port in Dover, UK on July 8. No confirmation yet from Fred Olsen if the next 9-night ‘Norwegian Fjords’ sailing from Tilbury on July 8 will go ahead.
