OHP Aftermath: Cruise Ships' Passengers Can't Disembark In Newport Harbor

NEWPORT, RI—Perrotti Park's the spot Monday for pictures of the disabled SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. According to Newport Harbormaster Tim Mills, the Tall Ship is marooned there, by order of the Coast Guard, until a salvage company arrives to tow her to Fort Adams. He estimated the OHP's ride should arrive sometime between 3:30 and 5 this afternoon.

The Tall Ship collided with four other boats after it lost power Sunday night on the way out of the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival. The Oliver Hazard Perry was not badly damaged, he said.

"No, she's stout," he said. Some of the other boats had a "little bit of damage," he added, but the important thing is, no one was injured in the mishap.

The Associated Press reported Monday that the accident happened when the two propellers became caught on a dock line, causing the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry to lose power.

Mills confirmed passengers on two cruise ships had been unable to disembark. The ship is blocking a channel used by the cruise ships, the AP said.

"The Crown Princess has already departed," he said. Another cruise ship is waiting in anchorage but is due to leave by 7 p.m. He said it is possible but "highly unlikely" the salvage boat will arrive in time to move the Oliver Hazard Perry, so those passengers can some ashore.

Courtesy Photo Caption: The SSV Oliver Hazard Perry, an educational tall ship homeported in Newport, Rhode Island, is grounded Sunday, October 11, 2017 in Newport Harbor after the tall ship lost power and hit multiple other boats near Perrotti Park. U.S. Coast Guard photo.