For many, there is nothing more relaxing than taking a cruise. But imagine this scenario: you are out in the middle of the ocean, having the time of your life, and the cruise ship decides to clonk out. The only thing worse than this would be getting stuck at sea without any air conditioning or food.
While this may sound like a bad dream, it was the unfortunate reality for many San Antonio residents this past week. While the cruise ship eventually made its way back to the United States, it was stuck in the Gulf of Mexico for several days. Of the 4,200 passengers, there were 12 Churchill High school alumni as well as a large group of local Jazzercise enthusiasts.
What was supposed to be fun turned into a nightmare when an engine room fire disabled the ship entirely. A recent report by MySanAntonio.com added the following:
“The last time Amy Weber, 30, spoke to her boyfriend Chad Simmons was when another cruise ship had pulled up next to them to deliver supplies after the fire Sunday and passengers could use cell phones.”
“Simmons, 30, on the Carnival Cruise Lines ship with 11 other men for the bachelor party, told Weber there was no air conditioning or running water, and sewage was dripping down the walls and soiling carpeting. Many passengers were sleeping in makeshift tents on the deck and waiting in long lines for food, she said.”
Can you imagine that? Not only were these people stuck in the middle of nowhere without food, they didn’t even have air conditioning to keep them cool. It is bad enough to be stuck in your San Antonio home or office during the hot months without a properly functioning AC system. Being put in this position on the high seas, while crammed on a boat with 4,200 passengers, is a disaster.
Fortunately for everybody involved, including the many local San Antonio residents, the cruise ship was finally towed back to Mobile, Alabama where the passengers were able to leave their nightmare behind and search for some cool air.
