HOUSTON (AP) -- The disabled cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico had mechanical problems last month that delayed its departure from Galveston on a previous voyage.

Debbi Smedley was a passenger aboard that cruise. She says the Triumph was scheduled to leave at midday on Jan. 28 but did not sail until after 8 p.m. Passengers received an email from Carnival Cruise Lines telling them the delay was due to a propulsion problem.

Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen says there had been electrical trouble with the ship's alternator, which was repaired. He says there does not appear to be any link between that issue and the fire in the engine room that caused the Triumph to lose power Sunday.

The ship is currently being towed to Mobile, Ala., with some 4,000 people aboard.

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