Carnival Triumph has limped into the Alabama port of Mobile after being stranded at sea for four days.

Carnival Corporation has drafted in 200 staff to the city, with 3,143 passengers and 1,086 crew expected to disembark from the stricken vessel.

Originally scheduled to operate a four day cruise out of Galveston, Carnival Triumph was stranded in the Yucatan peninsula following a fire in an engine room on Sunday.

Tugs were required to tow the vessel to safety, while close by ships delivered supplies.

Passengers on board have reported that the conditions were “hellish”, with human waste overflowing into corridors, food and water being rationed, and fears of looting.

Carnival Cruise Lines president Gerry Cahill said: “I am so appreciative of the efforts of everyone involved in bringing the Carnival Triumph safely to the port of Mobile.

“I want to thank the United States Coast Guard, the Port and City of Mobile, Customs and Border Protection, and the countless other parties who have been incredibly helpful throughout.

Cahill said he was personally going onboard to talk with guests and crew and to help get guests off the ship.