Carnival cruise ship hit by barge in Mississippi River; no injuries

NEW ORLEANS (AP) _ A barge struck a cruise ship Saturday morning on the Mississippi River, leaving a 30-foot gash on the ship. <br/><br/>There were no injuries reported on Carnival Cruise Lines' Fantasy

Saturday, February 10th 2007, 4:36 pm

By: News On 6

NEW ORLEANS (AP) _ A barge struck a cruise ship Saturday morning on the Mississippi River, leaving a 30-foot gash on the ship.

There were no injuries reported on Carnival Cruise Lines' Fantasy ship or the barge, authorities and company officials said.

The barge collided with the river bank, then struck the port side of the cruise ship as it waited to dock, according to a statement from the cruise line.

There was minor damage to the barge, which was one of six rice barges being pushed by the towing vessel Repentance.

Carnival said it was unlikely the ship would set sail again for Mexico on Saturday, although a preliminary assessment determined it was safe for passengers to remain aboard while repairs were made.

The cruise ship carries about 2,100 passengers and more than 900 crew members.