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Alaskan cruise ship runs aground Alaskan cruise ship runs aground
(about 1 hour later)
A cruise ship has run aground off the Alaskan coast, forcing the evacuation of more than 250 passengers. A cruise ship has run aground off the Alaskan coast, forcing the evacuation of more than 250 passengers and crew.
The Empress of the North hit Hanus Rock in the Icy Strait, south-west of the town of Juneau, a US Coast Guard spokesman said.The Empress of the North hit Hanus Rock in the Icy Strait, south-west of the town of Juneau, a US Coast Guard spokesman said.
Coast Guard aircraft were sent after a mayday message was received from the vessel, operated by the Majestic America Line of Seattle.Coast Guard aircraft were sent after a mayday message was received from the vessel, operated by the Majestic America Line of Seattle.
The ship is listing six degrees but is not thought to be taking in water. The ship was said to be listing but there were no reports of injuries.
A Coast Guard vessel and helicopter were on the scene, as well as a tug and a barge with a capacity of 250, spokesman Jeff Carter told CNN.
Passengers and crew were using lifeboats to abandon the ship, which was taking on water, he said.
There was no immediate information on what caused the ship to run aground.
According to Majestic America's website, the 360ft-long (110m) ship has 112 cabins and can carry 223 passengers, as well as 84 crew.