Categories: SA Cruise News

Former MSC Melody almost capsizes during cold lay up in India

The former MSC cruise ship ‘Melody’ is currently listing dangerously in India after heavy rainfall caused flooding aboard the vessel.

The ex-MSC Melody, now named MV Qing, is listing at an approximate 30 degree angle at a shipyard in Goa, India where she has been in cold lay-up for two years.

The former cruise ship, which sailed in South Africa out of Durban for much of the late 2000s, had been laid-up for the past two years awaiting repairs, with aims of transforming the ship into a floating hotel.

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The ship’s agent Sunil Prabhu, explained they were due to move the vessel to another yard for repair work, following the monsoon.

Authorities are currently pumping out 350 tonnes of oil from the ship to prevent any environmental impacts. Attempts to save the vessel from capsizing have begun.

Editor’s note: Qing has since been repaired and is listed as being in active service by MarineTraffic.com.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

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