Dear dilman-ga;
Thank you for allowing me to answer your interesting question. At the
moment the idea of utilizing cruise ships to aid in the rescue and
relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is still in the
conceptual stage, but it definitely HAS been and IS being considered
by some agencies.
?The Federal Emergency Management Agency is considering putting people
on cruise ships and in tent cities, mobile home parks and so-called
floating dormitories.?
TORONTO SUN
http://torontosun.com/News/Katrina/2005/08/31/1195482-sun.html
?While Tuesday was a day of assessment, FEMA already was considering
housing alternatives at property outside the damaged areas, he said.
It may put people on cruise ships, in tent cities, mobile home parks
or so-called floating dormitories, boats FEMA normally uses to house
its employees, Lokey said.?
SHREVEPORT TIMES
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050831/NEWS01/508310335/1002/NEWS
What is known is that the US Navy is sending warships such as the USS
Iwo Jima group (several ships) from Norfolk Naval Base, that can help
rescue and relieve some people. The helicopter carrier USS Bataan that
had been conducting training in the gulf has also been diverted to the
coast to help rescue efforts. The ships and helicopters should be
arriving in the area of devastation over the next 5 days. There is
talk that the USNS Comfort (mobile Naval Hospital) may also sail from
Baltimore to provide additional medical assistance, temporary lodging,
and supplies but no decision has been made as of yet.
WIRED NEWS
?Warships, hospital ship join in storm relief ?
http://wireservice.wired.com/wired/story.asp?section=Breaking&storyId=1083086&tw=wn_wire_story
Unfortunately it?s hard to say what additional progress these
emergency response agencies have made, or might be making with regard
to your shared idea about civilian vessels (a great one too I might
add) as communications in and out of these areas is still quite
limited. Let?s hope that some of these cruise companies step forward
and offer to do what needs to be done in the interest of these
unfortunate people and their horrible situation.
I hope you find that my answer exceeds your expectations. If you have
any questions about my research please post a clarification request
prior to rating the answer. Otherwise I welcome your rating and your
final comments and I look forward to working with you again in the
near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga ? Google Answers Researcher
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