Coast Guard ready to help cruise ship passengers

MOBILE, Ala. - A Coast Guard official says rescuers and helicopters based on Alabama's coast will be ready to respond if any medical issues arise among the 4,500 people aboard a disabled cruise ship.

Carnival Cruise Lines said its beleaguered cruise ship Triumph is now bound for Alabama's coast after a weekend engine fire left it drifting in the Gulf of Mexico. The cruise line's CEO said the ship was expected to arrive in Mobile Thursday.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Brahm said Tuesday morning there are no plans to use aircraft from the Coast Guard's Mobile-based fleet unless someone gets hurt, but rescuers are prepared to respond if asked.

No serious injuries have been reported, though passengers have reported unsanitary conditions and said people were getting sick and throwing up.

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