A fire broke out in the funnel aboard Costa Cruises' recently relaunched neoClassica Dec. 23 while sailing in the Red Sea. No injuries were reported.
The fire was extinguished and the ship was operating normally as it docked in Aqaba on Dec. 24. The company said damage was confined to the external part of the funnel, but an investigation into the cause is underway.
The ship is awaiting clearance from Classification Society and Maritime Authority officers, so the departure from Aqaba is expected to be delayed slightly. However, arrival in Eliat is still expected at 6 a.m. local time Dec. 25.
The company said shipboard personnel quickly extinguished the fire, which was detected at about 9:25 p.m. Italy time while the ship was en route to Aqaba.
"The safety of guests and crew was never put at risk and no injury was reported," Costa said. "As a precaution and as per procedures, general emergency signals were given, however the guests were released shortly thereafter. Ship services continued to function throughout without interruption. The ship reached her destination port in Aqaba and is now berthed. Proper investigations on root causes are in progress and the situation is normal."
The ship is operating a 25-day Indian Ocean itinerary.
The 1,680-passenger, 53,000-ton Costa Classica just re-entered service as the neoClassica after a $28.1 million renovation. It is part of Costa's neoCollection, and joins the neoRomantica and neoRiviera in offering "slow cruise" itineraries designed to let passengers savor the "culture, scenery and flavors of each port of call."
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