Security Holds up Cruise Ship from Docking in Hurricane Area
Source SUN HERALD via Knight Ridder
FEMA officials say onboard and docking security issues have held up the arrival of the Carnival Holiday cruise ship into the Port of Pascagoula.
Since Sept. 17, the ship has housed displaced Mississippians in the Port of Mobile. FEMA officials originally hoped to have the ship moved to Pascagoula within two weeks to give displaced residents better access to their homes, jobs and schools.
"It is concern about docking security," said Eugene Brezany, FEMA public affairs officer.
No firm date has been set yet, but Brezany said the ship would arrive in Pascagoula soon.
Port of Pascagoula officials have said they are ready and waiting for FEMA officials to say when the ship will arrive. The berth at the old grain elevator site has been prepared for the ship. The 55-acre site is at the Pascagoula River's South Terminal.
The ship is housing 1,385 displaced residents. The cruise ship is one of three Carnival cruise ships leased under a $192 million contract for six months to FEMA, and includes up to $44 million for "pass-through" expenses, such as fuel.
