Port official: Cruise ship arrival will be tricky

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - The CEO of the Alabama State Port Authority says a nighttime arrival of the disabled Carnival Triumph cruise ship could be difficult.

Jimmy Lyons says port officials would prefer that the ship not come into the city during nighttime hours because there are tricky turns and cross currents in Mobile Bay. He described the bay as only 10 feet deep outside the ship channel.

LIVE VIDEO | Stranded Carnival ship Triumph tugged back to shore http:// bit.ly/UdUpQm

But he says there may be no other choice. The ship is expected Thursday evening. Earlier, officials had reported an afternoon arrival, but a spokesman said the operation was taking longer than anticipated.

Lyons says tying up the ship also will take longer than usual because the winches are inoperable and the thrusters that normally get it in and out of the berths aren't working, either.