Spate of fires poses problems for cruise industry

By Tim Lister, CNN
February 15, 2013

Fires on cruise ships often lead to loss of electrical power.  Backup power is difficult when ships are 10 to 15 floors high.  Regulating the cruise industry is a haphazard business.

Editor's note: Tim Lister produced "Cruise to Disaster," a CNN documentary on the capsizing of the Costa Concordia.

(CNN) -- The last few years have seen a rash of engine fires aboard cruise ships -- many of which have led to an almost total loss of electrical power. Passengers on board the Carnival Triumph are but the latest to endure the consequences: a lack of hot food and water, a loss of air conditioning and refrigeration, sanitation systems on the verge of collapse.

Beyond these inconveniences are more serious issues: a loss of engine-power to the vessel and the lack of stabilization. If a ship is on the high seas in rough weather there is a greater risk of injury as the vessel pitches and rolls. The situation is further aggravated if tugs are days -- not hours -- away.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board warned after one such fire that "Hazardous situations that may result from a ship losing propulsive power include vessel grounding, inability to avoid severe weather conditions, and passenger evacuation at sea."

Tears and big hugs as passengers reunite with families.

Continue at:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/14/travel/cruise-fires/