[Updated] Norwegian Dawn Runs Aground in Bermuda

The Norwegian Cruise Line ship Norwegian Dawn ran aground on a reef on Tuesday after leaving Bermuda but there were no reports of any injuries, U.S. media reports said.

The vessel was subsequently refloated on the next high tide.

The Norwegian Dawn was returning to Boston with 2,675 passengers and 1,062 crew at the time of the incident. Norwegian Cruise Line issued a statement saying all guests and crew were safe.

The company said the ship had been leaving King's Wharf, Bermuda, at about 5:00 p.m. when it temporarily lost power.

"The ship's propulsion was affected and, at which time, the vessel made contact with the channel bed," the statement said.

Norwegian Cruise Line said the ship's officers, engineers and an independent dive team confirmed the vessel’s structural integrity before it was refloated and that the vessel will also be thoroughly inspected in Bermuda by DNVGL, the ship's classification society before returning to Boston.

"The ship is fully operational with the full complement of onboard services available to guests," the company said, adding it would remain at anchor nearby overnight.

Photos posted on Twitter by people onboard showed passengers peering over the rail at what looks like coral below in the bright blue sea, as well as a small boat apparently launched to check for damage and a tug boat approaching.

"Ship shuddered, then stopped really fast," wrote one Twitter user, Rachel Hansen. "The captain said we won't be moving for a while."

Norwegian Cruise Line operates 13 purpose-built ships on routes spanning North America, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Central America and the Caribbean. 

Earlier this month, Norwegian Dawn returned to Bermuda prematurely after a passenger took ill and the captain decided to divert the ship.

Picture Credit: Port Bemuda Webcam on Facebook