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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCruise ship on the move after latest setback
Petty Officer William Colclough says a new tugboat has been secured and the Carnival Triumph is again making its way into Mobile.
He says the ship will be further delayed because of the towline issue, though he did not give a new estimated arrival time. It had been expected to arrive Thursday night.
Docking a ship takes three hours in a normal operation. But because of the ship's condition, it will take at least seven hours, CBS Mobile affiliate WKRG reported. CEO of the Alabama State Port Authority Jimmy Lyons says the winches are inoperable and the thrusters that normally get it in and out of the berths aren't working. Additionally, Triumph's arrival is also slowed by high winds.
A nighttime arrival could pose more complications, Lyons said. He said port officials prefer that the ship not come into the city at night because there are tricky turns and cross currents in Mobile Bay. He described the bay as only 10 feet deep outside the ship channel.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57569457/cruise-ship-on-the-move-after-latest-setback/
lpbk2713
(42,760 posts)And I've got to feel sorry for the people who will have to clean it up.
I wouldn't do it no matter how bad off I was.
Hard Assets
(274 posts)With the idiots that have already ruined Don Siegelman.
I hope these passengers sue Carnival for even more money than the compensation + $500 + deep discounts for future cruises.
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)He's the idiot that ruined Don Siegelman.
Kingofalldems
(38,459 posts)Last edited Thu Feb 14, 2013, 05:38 PM - Edit history (1)
Generic Other
(28,979 posts)so stop saying that. You probably ate the strawberries too!
frylock
(34,825 posts)Helen Reddy
(998 posts)Funny poop jokes aside, I pity their plight and hopefully get this behind them soon.
frylock
(34,825 posts)one thing's for certain, and that is you will never find me on a cruise ship. too many stories like this.
Brother Buzz
(36,444 posts)FarCenter
(19,429 posts)The bigger hazard is running aground. Especially if there is wind at right angle to the ship channel. Those things have a huge flat wall for the wind to work against.
Brother Buzz
(36,444 posts)Yes, running aground is a concern, but that's why the Mobile Bay pilots get paid the big bucks.
monmouth3
(3,871 posts)jhawk9
(2 posts)Since there were lifeboats, why don't the passengers use them?
After the fire, why didn't Carnival hire motorboats to take the passengers to a Mexican port?
cbayer
(146,218 posts)Lifeboats are meant to keep people from drowning but don't function well in taking them over long distances. They were 150 miles offshore when the fire occurred. They probably have motorized shore boats, but they are in no way equipped to deal with that distance of those conditions.
The seas have been rough. They did evacuate one person because of a life threatening condition, but it was very difficult. The person who was to accompany her was unable to get on the CG boat, that's how bad it was. While a large cruise ship can handle this fine, smaller *rescue* vessels would have a much harder time.
The route to a Mexican port was deemed unsuitable due to currents and seas. Going into Mobile Bay was the safest route, though longer.
Based on the information available, I believe the captain, crew and shipping company have made the best decisions under the worst of circumstances.
jhawk9
(2 posts)Thank you for your answer. I have been wondering for days.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)Cooley Hurd
(26,877 posts)Amazing they're still in business.
Hard Assets
(274 posts)Halloween '14. Port of calls are southern Caribbean (Aruba, Curaçao, BVI, Antigua).
We have to fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I swear that's the most expensive part of the trip.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)They've made cruising affordable for a lot of people.
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)Motel 6 leaves the light on for you.