Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Carnival CEO Describes Ship Engine Fire as Worst Accident in Company's History VOA News 11 November 2010 Tug boats pull the disabled cruise ship Carnival Splendor toward the US, 10 Nov 2010 Photo: AP Tug boats pull the disabled cruise ship Carnival Splendor toward the US, 10 Nov 2010 The head of Carnival Cruise Lines says the engine fire that cut power and disabled a cruise ship carrying nearly 4,500 people is the worst accident in the company's history. The cruise line's CEO, Gerry Cahill, told reporters in San Diego, California Wednesday, the crew on board the Carnival Splendor is trying to make the best of the situation by providing free drinks and satellite phones for passengers to call their families. The fire early Monday set the ship adrift about 80 kilometers off Mexico's Pacific coast, leaving passengers and crew without air conditioning, hot water or phone service. The U.S. Navy airlifted food, water and supplies to the ship. Some stranded passengers report sleeping on deck, and waiting in line several hours for food. Two tugboats are slowly pulling the Splendor to San Diego. The cruise line says the ship should arrive Thursday.  Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP. .