Fire on Quest

[dundalkspur]

Thank you Bill.

 

.

 

It seems the whole emergency has been handled very professionally by Captain Karlson and the crew,

 

I have sailed on the Quest with Captain Karlson and can concur that in my opinion he is a "Top Captain/man" .Pity all other Captains are not like him.

[NorbertsNiece]

Just posted on FB :

 

We are onboard. We have started moving now and the atmosphere onboard is calm. We are all (staff and passengers) eating at the moment. The internet access has been opened up for guests just now and will be open to staff in approx 90 minutes. We are being well looked after. Lights and plumbing are working, the only service not working is the air conditioning.

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Passengers have been chatting live on the BBC, all appears to be well

 

given what has happened, sad news about the crew,

 

yours Shogun

[GrumpyOldWesty]

A couple of reports on Azamara Facebook saying they have propulsion, and hope to reach port tomorrow evening 'if repairs hold up'.

[bigeck]

Just posted on FB :

 

We are onboard. We have started moving now and the atmosphere onboard is calm. We are all (staff and passengers) eating at the moment. The internet access has been opened up for guests just now and will be open to staff in approx 90 minutes. We are being well looked after. Lights and plumbing are working, the only service not working is the air conditioning.

 

Glad to hear that

[grayguru]

Once again, Google Is Your Friend. Looks like the Quest is under way.

From http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/253443/news/world/disabled-cruise-ship-sails-to-sabah-malaysia-under-emergency-power

 

A cruise ship temporarily stranded off the south Philippines coast after a fire disabled engines, injuring five crew, is heading for an eastern Malaysia port under emergency power, the Philippine Coast Guard and the ship's owner said on Saturday.

 

Coast Guard Captain Perfecto Eden said the Azamara Quest, carrying 600 passengers and 411 crew and which made a port call in Manila on Wednesday, is now on its way to Sandakan port, in the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah after the fire was put out on Saturday.

 

"All passengers are safe," Eden told reporters about the status of the Azamara Quest, a vessel operated by Miami-based Azamara Club Cruises.

 

A Philippine Navy ship is escorting the cruise until it crosses the Malaysian maritime border, Eden added.

 

The rest of the cruise, carrying mainly Americans and Western Europeans, has been canceled the company said, adding that "the captain deemed it necessary to muster all guests at their assembly stations."

[dwelsh]

Latest posting on CNN web page:

Mar 31, 2012 06:18 AM PDT

 

Fire strands cruise ship off Indonesia

By the CNN Wire Staff

 

(CNN) -- Engineers are battling to restore power to a cruise ship carrying about 1,000 people after it was left adrift off Indonesia by an engine fire, cruise company Azamara Club Cruises said.

 

All of the nearly 600 passengers on board the Azamara Quest are safe but five crew members suffered smoke inhalation during the fire, the company said in an online statement.

 

One of the injured crew needs urgent medical care and will be taken to a hospital as soon as the ship reaches shore, it said.

 

The cruise liner is expected to head straight to Sandakan in Malaysia once propulsion is restored, the company said.

 

"The damage caused by the fire will require us to cancel the rest of Azamara Quest's voyage once the ship arrives in Sandakan," it said.

 

As of Saturday morning local time, the ship was located 200 miles off the port city of Balikpapan, on the Indonesian island of Borneo, in calm seas, the company said.

 

The fire broke out at about 8:20 p.m. local time in one of the ship's engine rooms, where it was contained and quickly extinguished, the company said.

 

Power was restored to one of the engines late Friday, allowing the ship to restart its air conditioning, running water, plumbing and refrigeration, Azamara Club Cruises said.

 

The fire broke out after the Azamara Quest had set sail from Manila, in the Philippines, Officer Francis Wong, chief of communications for the Philippines Navy, told CNN.

 

The ship's captain reported the fire to the Philippine naval authorities, who sent a Cessna aircraft and two patrol gun boats to the cruise ship in response, he said.

 

As of noon Friday Philippine time the fire was under control, he said.

 

Wong said he did not know where the ship was headed next.

 

"When we left the ship was safe and close to Palawan," he said, referring to an island province in the Philippines.

 

The Azamara Quest was on a 17-night sailing voyage that departed Hong Kong, China, on March 26, and was due to include port calls in the Philippines, Borneo and Indonesia before concluding in Singapore on April 12.

 

Azamara Club Cruises, which operates two cruise liners, is part of the giant Royal Caribbean Cruises group.

[mare s.]

I too want to extend good wishes to those on the Quest and hope that the injured make a speedy and full recovery. We love the Quest and look forward to sailing on her again next year.

[Westaussie]

I am on board and wish to add that everything was handled very professionally. It really was a serious situation. Our muster station in the restaurant was full of smoke so we assembled in the casino where there was a little confusion and lack of space but things improved when we were allowed on deck. We returned to our cabins (in the dark) at about midnight and lights and toilets functioned at 3.45 a.m.

 

The crew member is seriously injured and as of a couple of hours ago we are proceeding to Sandakan for his further medical attention. Passengers will also disembark there and be flown to Singapore. We have the choice of staying on there till the 12 April.

 

Everyone has handled this well, despite suffering the heat without airconditioning. Officers and especially crew have worked so very hard and should be commended.

[world~citizen]

Thank you Bill.

 

.

 

It seems the whole emergency has been handled very professionally by Captain Karlson and the crew,

 

I have sailed on the Quest with Captain Karlson and can concur that in my opinion he is a "Top Captain/man" .Pity all other Captains are not like him.

 

I have to agree with this. This is the Captain you want in an emergency.

[bugsy43]

Sounds like Azamara and the crew did a good job under the circumstance. Glad everyone is ok.

[world~citizen]

I certainly hope Azamara will do right by the hospitalized crew member.

 

Medical attention can get very expensive.

[Andy]

I am on board and wish to add that everything was handled very professionally. It really was a serious situation. Our muster station in the restaurant was full of smoke so we assembled in the casino where there was a little confusion and lack of space but things improved when we were allowed on deck. We returned to our cabins (in the dark) at about midnight and lights and toilets functioned at 3.45 a.m.

 

The crew member is seriously injured and as of a couple of hours ago we are proceeding to Sandakan for his further medical attention. Passengers will also disembark there and be flown to Singapore. We have the choice of staying on there till the 12 April.

 

Everyone has handled this well, despite suffering the heat without airconditioning. Officers and especially crew have worked so very hard and should be commended.

 

Hi Westaussie,

 

Thanks very much for your update. We wish you, and everyone onboard Quest safe travels.

[Bill Leiber]

Hello Azamara Followers -

 

It is welcome news to be able to read first-hand reports from our guests onboard and I wish you continued safety at sea.

 

Below is a very important progress report as the Azamara Quest makes it way to Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia:

 

For you back at home, I will keep you updated.

 

 

Best wishes -

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

 

 

AZAMARA QUEST UPDATE - MARCH 31, 2012, 9:30 A.M. E.S.T.

 

Engineers onboard Azamara Quest have been able to restore propulsion to the ship.

 

Azamara Quest is currently sailing directly to Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia at between three to six knots. Based on this speed, the ship is expected to arrive in Sandakan within 24 to 48 hours.

 

Larry Pimentel, president and chief executive officer, will be flying to Sandakan in order to meet with Azamara Quest guests and crew personally. Mr. Pimentel is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Monday morning, local time.

 

Unfortunately, five crew members onboard the ship suffered smoke inhalation during the fire. The crew members are being treated in our medical facility. The condition of the one crew member that was more severely injured has improved, but is still serious.

 

The damage caused by the fire will require us to cancel the rest of Azamara Quest's voyage once the ship arrives in Sandakan. We encourage guests on the April 12, 2012, sailing of Azamara Quest to monitor this website on Monday, April 2 for an update on your voyage.

 

If you have specific questions regarding Azamara Quest, you may call toll free 1.888.829.4050 from the United States and Canada. Guest outside the United States may call direct or collect to 1.408.916.9001.

 

###

[excitedofharpenden]

Thanks for the update Bill and continued good thoughts to all especially for the crew members who have needed medical attention and particularly the one in a more serious condition. I was talking to a friend from our trip on Quest earlier this month who said it felt like a family tragedy and she is right. First thing I thought of when I heard about it was of the great crew and hope they are all ok.

 

Westaussie, thanks for your report. Hope they can get the aircon working to cool you all off a bit!

 

Phil

[Ernie B]

Our prayers are with the injured crew members of the Quest and all affected by this latest development on the seas. We believe the crew and admininstration of Azamara to be the best in the business, so we agree that all are in good hands. Thank you for the continued reports. (Host Andy-we met you and your lovely family on Journey last year. Therefore, we know as you do, that the Azamara crew become great friends as soon as you step on board. We will be monitoring the situation.)

[Jujuju2]

Sending prayers for the injured crew members.

 

Sending best wishes to the rest of you onboard including my friends MightyQuinn and Mr.MightyQuinn.

 

Husband and I are among those scheduled to board April 12 in Singapore.

 

Thanks for the informative post, WestAussie. I remember now that our muster station on our Journey voyage last year was in the casino.

[Lottie A]

Phil said:-

"I was talking to a friend from our trip on Quest earlier this month who said it felt like a family tragedy and she is right. First thing I thought of when I heard about it was of the great crew and hope they are all ok."

 

How right you are Phil - I do feel that it feels like a family tragedy for me too. It just goes to show how special our Azamara crew are to us.

 

Again much love to all on Quest. Hope you are safe in port soon.

 

xx

 

Lottie.

[mister exec]

I am writing this update fom Deck 5 of the Quest. For those of who do not have a balcony, the cabins are very hot and uncomfortable and many of us are sleeping on. Lounge chairs out here where we get a little breeze. It is unlikely that air conditioning will be restored until the fire damage is repaired.

 

First, Azamara should be VERY proud of their Captain and crew. Everything has been handled very professionally with the safety of the passengers as their number one concern. The crew was calm and everyone knew exactly where to go and what to do.

 

I will admit is was quite unnerving when the episode began. Many of us were in the dining room when we heard the engines stop and the lights switched to generator mode. The next thing we heard was the Bravo Bravo Bravo code on the PA system and almost as quick,ly, the dining room smelled of smoke which was quite visible and our eyes began to sting. We were soon directed to go to our muster stations as we held napkins over our mouths to reduce the chance of inhaling smoke. We remained in the muster station for perhaps 2 1/2 hours. The crew kept us well informed and th captain made several announcements which we appreciated very much. I kiddingly said that the captains updates that night and the next day were reassuring as we knew he was staying with the ship! They came around with water and soft drinks frequently and passengers were very cooperative. If you needed anything, a member of the crew was immediately available to help. My wife needed some medicine and I was quick,ly escorted to my cabin and they helped me find what I needed and escorted me back.

 

By the next morning they had the toilets working again and the power was also restored to our rooms. Food has been quite basic as the galley has limited power. Food has been cold sandwiches, fresh fruit and we had a BBQ deck party tonight. The chef has kept his sense of humor and while we were in the muster station I asked him what we would be eating from now on. He said smoked fish, smoked chicken and smoked beef! We needed a bit of comic relief at this point.

 

Azamara has quickly addressed the issue and has had excellent communications

thorough. Their offer we received in writing today has been regarded by everyone I spoke with as extremely fair.

 

Once we disembark, we will be flown to Singapore on chartered aircraft and then we will be assigned to hotels they are in the process of setting up.

 

Enough rambling and I will try to get some rest, but be assured that Azamara has handled everything as professionally as you could hope for and has truly shown how much they care about their passengers.

 

Marc

[JFontaine]

When I pick a cruise I think about how will the line react when things don't go according to plan. Glad to see Azamara rise to this challenge and am impressed that the President is meeting the ship. My thoughts are with everyone on board.

[momcat]

We're so glad to hear that everything is under control. Best wishes to all on board, especially the injured crew member.

[mamaofami]

I am writing this update fom Deck 5 of the Quest. For those of who do not have a balcony, the cabins are very hot and uncomfortable and many of us are sleeping on. Lounge chairs out here where we get a little breeze. It is unlikely that air conditioning will be restored until the fire damage is repaired.

 

First, Azamara should be VERY proud of their Captain and crew. Everything has been handled very professionally with the safety of the passengers as their number one concern. The crew was calm and everyone knew exactly where to go and what to do.

 

I will admit is was quite unnerving when the episode began. Many of us were in the dining room when we heard the engines stop and the lights switched to generator mode. The next thing we heard was the Bravo Bravo Bravo code on the PA system and almost as quick,ly, the dining room smelled of smoke which was quite visible and our eyes began to sting. We were soon directed to go to our muster stations as we held napkins over our mouths to reduce the chance of inhaling smoke. We remained in the muster station for perhaps 2 1/2 hours. The crew kept us well informed and th captain made several announcements which we appreciated very much. I kiddingly said that the captains updates that night and the next day were reassuring as we knew he was staying with the ship! They came around with water and soft drinks frequently and passengers were very cooperative. If you needed anything, a member of the crew was immediately available to help. My wife needed some medicine and I was quick,ly escorted to my cabin and they helped me find what I needed and escorted me back.

 

By the next morning they had the toilets working again and the power was also restored to our rooms. Food has been quite basic as the galley has limited power. Food has been cold sandwiches, fresh fruit and we had a BBQ deck party tonight. The chef has kept his sense of humor and while we were in the muster station I asked him what we would be eating from now on. He said smoked fish, smoked chicken and smoked beef! We needed a bit of comic relief at this point.

 

Azamara has quickly addressed the issue and has had excellent communications

thorough. Their offer we received in writing today has been regarded by everyone I spoke with as extremely fair.

 

Once we disembark, we will be flown to Singapore on chartered aircraft and then we will be assigned to hotels they are in the process of setting up.

 

Enough rambling and I will try to get some rest, but be assured that Azamara has handled everything as professionally as you could hope for and has truly shown how much they care about their passengers.

 

Marc

 

Marc, we're so glad you and Dianne are OK and so sorry this happened to spoil your lovely anniversary cruise.

[SheilaNC]

Marc,

Thanks so much for posting - very reassuring to those who love you and Diane! I am going to copy your post to our other thread if it's OK with you. So happy to know you are OK and that Azamara has responded in the way that those of us who love AZAMARA would expecct. Love to both of you.

[150edmiston]

Marc, we are good friends with rich and Andi mandel. I think you may have had a couple of trips planned with them? We cruised with them last year through Thailand and India on the same ship. Please tell them that David and Dawn send their love from a sunny and warm scotland, and we look forward to seeing them in the summer. I have had a mail from Andi and all is well or as good as can be expected. She also says that Azamara are making the very best of an incredibly difficult situation. The very best to all on board. David and Dawn.

[meow!]

There has been quite a few accidents at sea lately. First the Costa disaster, then Silversea had a collision in Vietnam, fortunately nobody was injured. Now the fire on the Quest. Can someone think of why there are so many accidents in a row?