Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ ship, Vasco da Gama, has cancelled its call to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island today due to the catastrophic bushfires burning on the Island.
Dean Brazier, Managing Director of Cruise & Maritime Voyages Australia, said the operations team had liaised with the local port agent, South Australian Tourism Commission, and the Country Fire Service overnight.
“The escalating, uncontrolled bushfires burning on Kangaroo Island means our scheduled anchorage call to Penneshaw has understandably been cancelled.
“We have, however, offered to provide evacuation assistance if required for the locals and tourists who remain on the Island. As a result, the ship has proceeded to Penneshaw and is anchored a safe distance from the coast to be on standby this morning to assist with a possible evacuation plan to the mainland.
“Should conditions improve and our services not be required, Vasco da Gama will continue her voyage today to arrive in Port Lincoln tomorrow as scheduled.
“The Captain has made an announcement to passengers this morning. Dining and entertainment on board will still be available and we imagine our guests will be in support of assisting the bushfire effort and those on Kangaroo Island. We would like to thank them for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.
“The safety of our guests and crew will still be at the forefront of any operational decision made today,” Mr Brazier said.
Vasco da Gama is currently on a four-night South Australian Icons cruise that departed on 2 January with 1,267 passengers on board.
The ship left Wallaroo, South Australia at 7pm yesterday evening (3 January).
Glam Adelaide’s owner & Editor Kelly Noble is currently on board the Vasco da Gama and will be posting updates about what’s happening with the the possible evacuation to a Facebook group that she set up for the South Australian bushfires called SA Bushfire Updates and Community Assistance.
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