A Windstar Cruises-owned ship with 350 people onboard became disabled in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Friday afternoon, September 7, after experiencing engine failure, prompting USCG (US Coast Guard) response, officials said.
The engine systems for Star Pride “experienced a loss of cooling water” at about 3:00 p.m, which caused automatic shutdown of propulsion and auxiliary engines, according to a statement from Windstar Cruises.
By 5:30 p.m. power was restored and the propulsion was returned to normal. As of 6:40 p.m., the ship was anchored in calm seas.
Initially, Star Pride was allowed to drift in the bay so it wouldn't harm marine life. The company’s statement read that at no time were the 191 cruise passengers and 160 crew at risk. No injuries were reported.
Windstar Cruises announced that the cause of the shutdown had been identified and addressed. According to Coast Guard officials, the cause of the accident was under investigation.
Star Pride is currently sailing on a 17-day voyage from Iceland to New York. The ship is now mooring up in Newport RI to undergo Coast Guard inspection, before it can head on to Manhattan.
For other Star Pride accidents and incidents see at the ship's CruiseMinus page.