A fire has temporarily disabled a cruise ship carrying 1,001 people in waters south of the Philippines, the Philippine coastguard says. The ship, which is carrying 590 passengers and 411 crew experienced a fire in 1 of its engine rooms. The blaze was brought under control and extinguished before any major damage could occur. The vessel is undergoing emergency repairs and will be getting underway again soon. Engineers have started one of the vessels main engines to provide power for air conditioning, running water, refrigeration and food preparation.
Passengers were mustered as a precautionary measure. The atmosphere aboard is calm, and no passengers have been injured. Once power has been restored to both engines, the vessel will be steaming to Sandakan where passengers will be unloaded. RCL is working with passengers to decide how RCL can assist them in getting home.
Five crew were injured during the blaze, one crewmember required hospital treatment. The Philippine coastgaurd will conduct investigations as to why the ship did not put out a Mayday.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17571134
