The Seychelles Government has been informed this afternoon by Costa Cruises representatives that have arrived in the country, and the Seychelles is assisting the process. Arrangements are being made for accommodation, transfers to international flights and other necessary services upon their arrival.
The Seychelles Coast Guard ship Andromache has reached the ship as well as a Seychelles air force plane, and together with the two tugs of the Seychelles Ports Authority, they are escorting the Costa Allegra to Port Victoria.
Expected time of arrival is between late evening of Wednesday and early morning of Thursday, depending on the sea conditions.
Statement From The Representatives :
Feb 28 1pm -- Costa Cruises informs that in view of extensive and accurate checks carried out with local maritime experts' support, in order to ensure the safety of our guests on board, the disembarkation on Desroches island cannot be performed and therefore it has been decided that the ship will be towed to Mahe' / Seychelles.
The disembarkation in Desroches does not assure the necessary and adequate security conditions for mooring the ship and guests' disembarkation. In addition, logistics and hotels on the island are not enough: it would require, an immediate transfer from Desroches to Mahe through Ferries after disembarking the ship through tenders.
Thus the ship will be towed to Mahe ', also with the assistance of two tugs that are approaching the ship and that would allow to increase the speed. The arrival in Mahé is currently expected during the morning (local time) on Thursday, March 1, just few hours after the possible arrival from Mahe to Desroches through Ferries.
Helicopters will ensure continuous supply of food, comfort items, flashlights in order to mitigate guests discomfort given the difficult conditions on board.
Costa Cruises is working with all the Authorities responsible for the coordination of the emergency, to ensure the best possible assistance to all our guests and make their discomfort as short as possible and to reach their next destination.The Company is sincerely sorry for the inconvenience: absolute priority is to make it as short as possible.