Katrina ships’ outcome in doubt
Carnival announced plans to take back its three ships housing victims of Katrina but a pending lawsuit against another ship could cause potential problems.
The US government contracted Carnival for three of its ships, the Ecstasy, Sensation and Holiday. Carnival wants to take back the ships later this week to be refurbished and put back in service.
The government also contracted with other ships to use as temporary housing, including an overnight commuter ferry, the Scotia Prince.
That ship has provided temporary housing for about 640 people,
Scotia Prince residents have sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prevent it from departing.
“FEMA has bungled its assignment,” alleges the lawsuit. “FEMA acted incompetently before, during and after Hurricane Katrina struck, and failed to heed warnings and take preventative actions that could have saved lives and alleviated suffering.”
A FEMA spokesman said the agency had done all it could to help those who lost their homes.
No hearing date was set for the lawsuit, but its outcome could have an impact on the plans of Carnival.
The cruise line says it wants to have the ships operational by late March or early April.
The ships contracted by FEMA were not luxurious. They usually consisted of small basic rooms with at least two individuals in each cabin. Typical cruise ship amenities were stripped.
Report by David Wilkening
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