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Riverboat free after running aground, getting stuck in Kentucky river

The public relations manager for American Cruise Lines, who owns the American Jazz ship, said no one was injured. It is still unclear how the ship got stuck.

CADIZ, Ky. —  A riverboat that got stuck in Kentucky last week is now free.

On its way from Memphis to Nashville on a 7-day cruise, the American Jazz ran aground Wednesday, July 7 on the Cumberland River near Cadiz, Kentucky. The Coast Guard was called in Thursday to assist local authorities.

A total of 169 people - 120 passengers and 49 crew members -  were aboard the American Jazz cruise ship when it got stuck. According to U.S. Coast Guard District 8, all of the passengers and eight crew members were safely evacuated from the ship Friday. The rest of the crew members were able to get off the ship on Sunday. 

A three-mile section of the Cumberland River was been blocked off to ensure the safety of response crews and the public.

"Thanks to the amazing support of American Cruise Lines, the state of Kentucky, Trigg County Emergency Management, Donjon-SMIT and the residence of Trigg County the American Jazz was removed and was found fit for service on the Cumberland River," said Cmdr. Jennifer Andrew, federal on-scene coordinator for the unified command.

The public relations manager for American Cruise Lines, who owns the American Jazz ship, said no one was injured. It is still unclear how the ship got stuck.

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