Luxury cruise ship sinking off Alaska
Breaking news: Giant luxury sternwheeler abandoned as she runs aground, lists

It is being reported that the luxury stern-wheeled cruise ship, EMPRESS OF THE NORTH, has been abandoned after running aground off the Alaskan coast.

Initial reports say she hit Hanus Rock at the southern end of the Icy Strait, 50 nm from Juneau.

Passengers are said to have taken to the boats and that other local boats have come to assist.

On board were over 200 passengers who were enjoying a seven day "Cruise of the Glaciers" trip which began on Saturday.

The vessel is operated by Majestic America Line and is one of a series of ships they run which hark back to the great stern wheelers. The EMPRESS OF THE NORTH was only built four years ago.

Formed in 2006 through the combination of American West Steamboat Company (the named owners of the ship) and the vessels of Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Seattle-based Majestic America Line is a division of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors International, Inc.