The large river cruise ship American Star crashed into the Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville FL Friday evening (November 25), leaving the cruiser wedged underneath and closing downtown bridge indefinitely, according to Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
The accident occurred just before 7:30 p.m., police said. No injuries were reported
American Star departed from Saint Augustine at 11:38 a.m., traveling at an average speed of 9.2 mph, and arrived at the intersection of the St. Johns River and the Intracoastal about 4:45 p.m.
According to a vessel tracking system, the ship did pass under the Main Street Bridge, which has a clearance 36.5 feet when it is lifted, but while the ship was trying to dock on the North Bank, the current caused it to drift back toward the bridge.
A maritime source told News4Jax that the ship was not under pilotage and a possible cause of the crash may have been bow thruster failure.
U.S. Coast Guard inspection officers were called to investigate. Officers said they do not believe the vessel sustained any damage.
Onlookers, including a large crowd attending the Jacksonville Landing's annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, watched intently as emergency crews worked to dislodge the ship from underneath the bridge.
More than 3 hours after the crash, the ship was finally able to get loose because of the lowering ride.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the bridge was damaged when the ship was released, but the extent of the damage is not yet known.
The bridge will be closed in both directions until further notice, police said. FDOT officials said they will be conducting assessments to determine when the bridge will be able to reopen.