CRUISE SHIP EMPRESS OF THE
NORTH
RESUMES SOUTHEAST ALASKA OPERATIONS
July 09, 2007
Monday
The 299-foot cruise ship Empress of the North resumed operations
in Southeast Alaska on July 7, 2007. The vessel, which can carry
up to 237 passengers and 90 crewmembers, was out of service since
striking the bottom on the shoals of Rocky Island at the intersection
of Lynn Canal and Icy Strait on May 14, 2007.
Empress of the North life raft inspection.
Photo courtesy USCG
The National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) and Coast Guard continue to investigate the
circumstances surrounding the accident and the rescue of the
passengers and crew. The NTSB recently issued an urgent safety
recommendation concerning lifesaving equipment. On July 6th,
the Empress of the North successfully completed a thorough Coast
Guard re-inspection, which included all lifesaving equipment,
life rafts, and inflatable evacuation slides.
Bridge of the Empress
of the North on inspection day.
Photo courtesy USCG
As a result of the casualty, the vessel suffered damage to its
hull and to one of its two main propulsion systems, commonly
referred to as Z-drives. The hull has been completely repaired.
One of the two Z-drive systems remains inoperable pending parts
and further repairs. The Coast Guard and the American Bureau
of Shipping have determined that the remaining propulsion systems
provide ample ability to safely navigate and steer the vessel.
Source of News & Photographs:
United States Coast Guard
www.uscg.mil
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