NEW ORLEANS – Personnel from Coast Guard Sector New Orleans are investigating a collision here today between a barge and the cruise ship Fantasy which caused a 30-foot gash in the cruise ship.
The cruise ship and barge collided down river from New Orleans while in the last miles of a homeward journey. The collision resulted in a 30-foot gash approximately five feet above the waterline on the port-stern of the cruise ship. There was minor damage to the barge, which was one of six rice barges being pushed by the towing vessel Repentance. There was minimal damage to the barge and no injuries or pollution resulted from the collision.
Coast Guard personnel remain on scene working with personnel from the cruise ship on a repair proposal.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
