The Costa Allegra, left, is towed by French fishing vessel, The Trevignon, in the Indian Ocean, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012. (Le Talenduic, Reunion Island Prefecture)
Helicopters ferried food, phones and flashlights on Feb 28 to the crippled "Costa Allegra" while she was being towed to the Seychelles Islands. Those aboard faced tow more days on sea as the destination has been changed to Halé with an ETA Mar 1 or 2 now. Beneath the "Trevignon" also the French " Talenduic" was on scene now. The speed of the ship, despite the hot and humid climate, created a slight breeze that helped making the situation more comfortable. Fresh bread would be brought in on Feb 29 by helicopter since cooking was impossible, however, there was no lack of food and other comfort items. Cruise officials initially said the stranded travelers would be taken to Desroches, a small, exclusive coral-lined island in the Seychelles. But they changed the destination to the larger island of Mahe, citing safety and logistical reasons. Two tugs joined the French fishing vessel to tow the "Costa Allegra", which was being escorted by the Seychelles Coastguard ship "Andromache". The fire disabled the non-emergency phones, so telephones were among the supplies brought in by helicopter on Feb 28. They also dropped torches and emergency supplies. 15 Costa engineers, technicians and other officials were flying to Mahé in hope of reaching the Allegra by air to repair its generators.