Distressed cruise liner passengers are in tears with the ship they're aboard broken down and drifting off the Victorian coast.
Preparations are underway to tow the Norwegian Star, carrying more than 2000 passengers, back to Melbourne from where it is adrift about 70 kilometres from Melbourne.
A man phoning from the ship, who did not wish to be named, told Fairfax Media "devastated" passengers aboard the ship were crying.
"It's a bloody nightmare," he said.
"We're stuck in the middle of the ocean. It's scary."
A woman, who also didn't wish to be named, said her "distressed" friend had phoned to tell her about the situation this morning.
"The mood on board is dire," she said.
Steve T. Raney posted on Facebook: "WE have NO engines for propulsion!!! WE are afloat in the ocean!!!"
He wrote that passengers were safe and comfortable.
A spokeswoman for operator Norwegian Cruise Lines said the ship's azipod propulsion system had experienced a technical malfunction in the early hours of Friday.
"The ship has full power and all on board services are fully operational," she said.
"All guest amenities remain open and available and the weather conditions are favourable.
"The ship is in no danger whatsoever and the comfort and safety of our guests and crew are unaffected by this situation."
The spokeswoman said authorities had been notified and arrangements have been made to tow the ship to shore for repair.
She said all guests would get a full refund, as well as a 50 per cent future cruise credit.
"Norwegian Cruise Line sincerely extends its deepest apologies to guests for the inconveniences that they have encountered," she said.
The Australia Maritime Safety Authority is monitoring the ship, which is about 20 kilometres south of Inverloch.
"Diesel generators on board are working, meaning the ship has power to its passenger facilities and bow thrusters, but the main propulsion engines are not working," a spokesman said.
"This means the master has some limited ability to manoeuvre the ship, but will need the assistance of tugs to reach port."
The ship was on a voyage from Melbourne to New Zealand.
@TravelMortician - Guess Whaaaat? We're adrift 70 miles out of Melbourne. 2nd Azipod broke. Getting tow back to Melbourne #NorwegianStar
— Mark E Matz (@MarkEMatz) February 9, 2017
More to come
