An unexpected stop in Tangiers

Captain’s Log, June 5th: Last night, not long after leaving Gibraltar, we developed engine trouble. It seems that one of the engines is only delivering a low power level, so the ship can only proceed at half speed. I contacted Mrs Negibi to request a return to Gibraltar, but this was refused due to the high port fees. We drifted for a while, uncertain as to the best course, but Mrs Negibi then contacted us, that she had been able to arrange a berth in Tangiers. Unfortunately, our passengers don’t have visas for going ashore, so are confined to the ship. I did wonder whether I could take a stroll without a visa, but a rather unpleasant official turned me back. I would have argued, but he had his gun drawn.

The engineers are working on the engine, and have the spare parts, so expect it to be fully operational for a morning departure, but it does now mean missing the stop at the island of Majorca.