Emergency Rescue Underway After Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship Loses Control Off Greece
ATHENS, Greece — A dramatic emergency unfolded this past weekend when the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship lost control off the coast of Greece, prompting a swift response from Greek maritime authorities. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 15, left passengers stranded without power, water, or lighting, igniting fears and confusion aboard the vessel.
According to firsthand accounts shared by passengers on social media, the ship experienced a sudden blackout near Piraeus, the bustling port city adjacent to Athens. One passenger detailed the harrowing conditions, writing that at approximately 3 a.m., the ship “lost power off the coast of Piraeus.” The blackout resulted in a complete shutdown of critical systems: “No air conditioning, no lights, no running water, no flushing toilets, no hot water or coffee, and no elevators,” the passenger reported.
The situation escalated as multiple tugboats arrived to assist the stricken ship. The passenger also recounted hearing the ship’s public address system broadcast the phrase “Bravo, Bravo, Bravo,” a maritime emergency code signaling a serious onboard crisis such as a fire or other critical malfunction. The code heightened anxiety among those aboard, underscoring the severity of the malfunction.
The Hellenic Coast Guard’s Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center immediately notified the Port Authorities of Piraeus and Keratsini, mobilizing emergency services to support the rescue and stabilization efforts. The coordinated response reflects Greece’s commitment to maritime safety, as overseen by the Hellenic Coast Guard, which plays a pivotal role in protecting vessels and passengers in Greek waters.
While no injuries have been reported, the incident has cast a shadow over the cruise line’s operations. Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, has faced increased scrutiny following the event, especially as another voyage was abruptly canceled in the wake of this emergency. The disruption has left many travelers scrambling to adjust their plans and raised questions about the reliability of cruise ship systems.
Maritime safety experts emphasize that power failures on cruise ships can have cascading effects on navigation, life support, and passenger comfort. The U.S. Coast Guard’s guidelines on maritime emergency preparedness highlight the importance of rapid coordination between ship crews and local authorities to mitigate risks during such incidents. The United States Coast Guard regularly collaborates with international partners to enhance maritime safety protocols.
In response to the crisis, the cruise company issued a statement expressing regret for the inconvenience and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the malfunction. They also pledged to prioritize passenger safety and restore confidence in their services.
The incident comes amid a broader context of increased vigilance in the cruise industry, which has faced challenges ranging from mechanical failures to health emergencies in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains strict guidelines for cruise operations to safeguard public health and safety, underscoring the complex environment in which these vessels operate.
As the Celebrity Infinity remains docked for repairs and inspection, travelers and maritime authorities alike await further updates. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in large-scale sea travel and the critical importance of robust emergency response mechanisms. Meanwhile, affected passengers continue to share their experiences, hoping for swift resolution and safer voyages ahead.
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