Celebrity Xpedition ship evacuated in the Galapagos

On November 5, 2019, at ~11:30 pm, the Galapagos Islands-based cruise ship Celebrity Xpedition carrying 46 passengers ran aground on a sand bar at Isabela Island (near Punta Vicente Roca). All passengers and some of the crew were immediately evacuated via the ship's lifeboats and soon transferred to the fleetmate Celebrity Flora that arrived at the scene to assist the vessel.

With the assistance of its tender boats, after ~30 min the vessel was refloated and moved (under its own power) to Fernandino island (Punta Espinosa) where anchored for a hull inspection. No injuries, damages or an environmental impact were reported.

The accident occurred during a 7-day Galapagos Islands cruise (Galapagos Northern Loop itinerary Nov 2-9) roundtrip from homeport Baltra Island (Ecuador).

The current cruise was officially canceled. All Celebrity Xpedition passengers (via Celebrity Flora) were transported back to Baltra Island, from flown to Quito City and accommodated overnight in hotel rooms. On November 6, the cruisers were bused to Quito International Airport for their home flights.

As compensation, all passengers were fully refunded (100%) and also received a free Celebrity Galapagos cruise. The next scheduled cruise (Galapagos Southern Loop itinerary Nov 9-16) was also canceled.