CG cutter hits Algiers ferry dock

The Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.-based Coast Guard Cutter Cypress hit a New Orleans area ferry dock March 4 while transporting the king, queen and krewe of the Zulu Mardi Gras association. Lt. Lora Ratliff, spokesman for Coast Guard Eighth District HQ in the Crescent City, said there were no injuries or waterways closed due to the collision. The Zulu Mardi Gras association, also known as the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, has taken part in New Orleans Mardi Gras for 110 years. The cutter sounded its emergency horn while officers forced those onboard away from the side rail. The boat’s starboard side then crashed into a cement barrier in Algiers near Woldenberg Park, according to NOLA.com. There was some damage to the cutter's bow, but Ratliff didn’t know the extent. The CG is investigating. The Cypress left Pensacola early March 4 for a day trip to New Orleans. Ratliff didn’t know when the cutter was scheduled to return to Pensacola. The Cypress is one of three CG cutters at NASP. The medium endurance cutters Decisive and Dauntless are also based at the Navy base. (Source: Pensacola News Journal 03/05/19)