American-Star Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On November 25, 2016, at approximately 7 p.m., the 'American Star,' a river cruise vessel, encountered a challenging situation as it became lodged beneath the Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida. The cruise ship had departed St. Augustine earlier that day at 11:38 a.m., cruising at an average speed of 9.2 knots. By 4:45 p.m., she had reached the junction of the St. Johns River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Despite engaging in the docking maneuver on the North Bank, the vessel faced a strong current that caused it to drift back towards the bridge, which is designed to allow 36.5 feet of clearance when lifted. Fortunately, a tugboat successfully managed to free the ship from the bridge. In the aftermath, the Florida Department of Transportation conducted a thorough assessment of any potential damage caused by the incident, leading to the temporary closure of the bridge for several hours. Finally, at 11:45 p.m., the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office lifted the closure, allowing traffic to resume. The U.S. Coast Guard is currently in charge of the ongoing investigation. The 'American Star' is known for its 'Great Rivers of Florida Cruise,' showcasing the scenic beauty of Northeast Florida and the stunning St. John's River. For more details, you can check the reports featuring photos and videos here: [WOKV Report](http://www.wokv.com/news/news/local/main-street-bridge-closed-after-being-hit-river-bo/ntDwQ/) and [News4JAX Coverage](http://www.news4jax.com/news/local/jacksonville/boat-crashes-into-main-street-bridge).