NTSB to issue report on Empress of the North grounding

The following is an announcement by the National Transportation Safety Board:
 
(WASHINGTON) — The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a public Board meeting Tuesday, July 22, at 1:30 p.m., in its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C.
 
There is one item on the agenda. The Board will consider a final report on the following accident:
 
On Monday, May 14, 2007, the 300-foot passenger vessel Empress of the North, operated by Majestic America Line, grounded on a charted rock at the intersection of Lynn Canal and Icy Strait in southeastern Alaska, about 20 miles southwest of Juneau. As the vessel was negotiating a turn west out of Lynn Canal into Icy Strait on its way to Glacier Bay, it struck the rock, known as Rocky Island, which was illuminated by a flashing green navigation light. The 206 passengers and nonessential crewmembers were evacuated safely without injuries. The vessel sustained damage to its starboard underside and propulsion system.
 
A live and archived webcast of the proceedings will be available on the Board’s website at http://www.ntsb.gov/events/Boardmeeting.htm. Technical support details are available under “Board Meetings.” To report any problems, please call 703-993-3100 and ask for Webcast Technical Support.
 
A summary of the Board’s final report, which will include findings, probable cause and safety recommendations, will appear on the website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting. The entire report will appear on the website several weeks later.
 
Directions to the NTSB Board Room: Front door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L’Enfant Plaza. From Metro, exit L’Enfant Plaza station at 9th and D Streets escalator, walk through shopping mall, at the CVS store (on the left), take escalator (on the right) down one level. The Board room will be to your left.
 
 
By Professional Mariner Staff