Cruise and Maritime Voyages immediately contacted the South Australian Country Fire Service and offered to assist with the evacuation of local islanders and tourists from Kangaroo Island.
Vasco da Gama was scheduled to call at Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island on Saturday as part of her four night South Australian Icons itinerary but due to the concern over the escalating bushfires this port of call had to be cancelled. The South Australian Country Fire Service advised Cruise & Maritime Voyages that two thirds of the island were operating with the highest level of warning in place and advised cancelling the port of call.
CMV were advised at 08:38 on Saturday morning that the assistance of Vasco da Gama was not necessary, and she continued on her voyage. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the Australian bushfires,” said Dean Brazier, Managing Director CMV Australia.
The 55,877 GRT Vasco da Gama continued her voyage and called at Port Lincoln yesterday and returned to Adelaide today as scheduled at 08.00 having completed a South Australian Icons cruise which sailed from Adelaide Thursday 2 January. The vessel had 1,267 passengers and 536 crew on board. The next cruise of Vasco da Gama – a Boutique Gin & Culinary Cruise is due to depart later today on schedule.
“We wish to thank our guests on board for their patience and understanding of the itinerary change and imagine that they were 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.” Dean Brazier said.
CMV Australia guests have contributed to the Australian Red Cross’ Bushfire Relief.
