Unsafe cruise ship detained on River Thames-MCA

LONDON, May 17 (Reuters) A Spanish-owned cruise ship carrying 178 passengers has been impounded on the River Thames in London because of serious safety deficiencies, the UK's Maritime&Coastguard Agency (MCA) said today.

It said the Vistamar, flying the Maltese flag, was detained by inspectors because of safety abuses including inoperable lifeboats.

''This is a very poor example of a passenger ship that has entered British waters. She will not be allowed to travel further,'' a spokesman said. Most of the passengers were believed to be German tourists, he added.

The 117-metre long ship would be moored at the Tower of London overnight and its passengers disembarked tomorrow.

''The owners of the vessel in Almeria, Andalucia in Spain have been informed of our decision to detain this vessel.

''Our concerns were raised when items such as fire dampers were clearly inoperative; both lifeboats were damaged; escape signs were missing and various means of escape were not marked clearly,'' the coastguard added.

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