Celebrity Eclipse  almost hit bottom of the sea bed in Antigua, due to poor  organization of the local port authorities and shipping agents. The incident led Celebrity Eclipse Captain, Dimitrios Manetas to write a letter expressing his disappointment by the lack of coordination.

The letter was addressed to Antigua Pilot Association, ship agent Bennett Bryson & Co.tt and Antigua Port Authority stating: “Further to our meeting today (Thursday) upon docking, it is clear, by your own admission, that there had been lack of preparation and organisation between the Port Authority, pilots and agents to receive Celebrity Eclipse in port of St John’s,” wrote captain Manetas.

“It should be noted that due to this disorganisation, the vessel could have damaged the hull and compromised the safety of guests and crew onboard; such last minute changes result in delaying the ship docking and causing dissatisfaction amongst our guests.”

“When we were approaching Nevis Street Pier, the pilot informed us that there was enough water forward of the ship, and that we could proceed more ahead in order to fit both mid-ship gangways on the pier.”

“After docking was completed, sounding was performed around the vessel to verify under keel clearance, which was found to be 20 cm under the bulbous bow.”