A Norwegian Cruise Line ship in the Caribbean has been evacuated after it ran aground.
Norwegian Escape struck the seabed while leaving Pueto Plata in the Dominican Republic.
Strong winds are reported to have affected the ship, capable of carrying more than 4,000 passengers, as it left the port.
The vessel was stuck for seven hours before being freed. There were no injuries to passengers or crew.
The cruise, which had departed from Port Canaveral in Florida, was cancelled along with a departure on Saturday. The line organised for passengers to be flown back to Orlando and refunds offered.
An NCL spokesperson confirmed that Norwegian Escape “made contact with the channel bed” as it was departing Puerto Plata on Monday.
“In the early morning on March 15, the ship was re-floated and returned to the dock at Puerto Plata, where she is currently located,” they said.
“While there is minor damage to the ship’s hull, all guests and crew are safe.
“The current cruise will be shortened, and the cruise scheduled to embark on March 19 will be cancelled so that the necessary repairs can be made.
“All guests currently onboard will disembark in Puerto Plata. We are communicating with all impacted guests directly and arranging their return flights. Additional information will be provided as appropriate.”