The cruise vessel Spirit of Baltimore allided with a pier in its namesake city early Sunday, tearing up about 60’ of decking but causing no injuries and only minor cosmetic damage to the vessel, according to the Coast Guard and local news media.
The 131’x36’ vessel was carrying 447 people, close to its maximum capacity, when it struck the Henderson Wharf Marina pier, in the city’s historic Fells Point neighborhood. The Baltimore Sun reported the excursion was a regularly scheduled midnight to 2 a.m. cruise of the city’s Inner Harbor that features disc jockeys and dancing.
The Coast Guard is investigating the mishap. No pollution was reported, and the only damage to the ship appeared to be a hull scrape on the forward starboard side photographed by Coast Guard investigators.
Operator Entertainment Cruises based in Chicago operates 30 vessels in nine locations , offering cruises, tours, weddings and special events. Founded as Spirit Cruises in Norfolk, Va., in 1978, the company today carries some 1.5 million passengers annually.
