Video: cruise ship runs aground with 120 passengers on board

An American river cruise ship, the American Jazz, has gone aground on a sandbar while on a seven-night cruise from Memphis to Nashville with 120 passengers aboard.

The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon near Cumberland River mile marker 62 at a position outside the main navigational channel.

Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley despatched a shallow-water response boat to investigate and a salvage plan is being formulated. No damage, injuries or pollution have been reported.

“The American Jazz is currently being assisted off a sandbar in Lake Barkley. There is no damage to the small riverboat, and both guests and crew aboard have been informed of the temporary delay,” spokesperson Alexa Paolella told local media in a statement.

“American Cruise Lines is taking all appropriate steps with authorities while local service providers assist the ship. American Jazz is following a seven night Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville and the cruise is expected to resume with a few adjustments to the normal schedule.” 

Here’s a look at the American Jazz ship stuck on a sand bar at Lake Barkley.

Jennifer Holder was kind enough to show us what she could see from her boat. The Coast Guard is investigating and working to dislodge the ship from the sand bar.@NC5 pic.twitter.com/s7W1tTW2jL