For weary emergency workers on ship, hope floats

[wakeme2008]

the other side of the ships issue.

sorry reg. required.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0509280122sep28,1,3096248.story?page=1&coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

EW ORLEANS -- The Sensation offered the glitz of its usual cruises--psychedelic wallpaper, purple mirrors on walls and ceilings, dance music in the elevators and a pool with a water slide.

But this time, the pool is empty. The bars are closed. The view from the cruise ship's decks is of a city pummeled by two hurricanes, and its passengers are emergency workers trying to bring that city back to life.

Of the nearly 1,400 passengers, more than 800 are city, state or federal workers and their family members. Many have lost their homes, some of which flooded twice during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. But they wanted to help rebuild their city, or knew they needed to provide for their displaced families, so they kept working. Additional workers live on the ship docked beside them, the Ecstasy.

"We are here to serve the people. You don't take this job without that dedication," said Tyronne Payton, 52, a New Orleans firefighter who sat in the Federal Emergency Management Agency office aboard the Sensation.
..more at link..

[Ian David]

1. They can't even open the pool? Or the bars? How about the gym?

Granted, they shouldn't expect to have two sittings for dinner and a wine steward in the dining room... but come on! These people deserve a little comfort and distraction in their wrecked lives.

[wakeme2008]

3. It is normal and maybe required by law

pools are always closed in ports. And they use sea water for them. I would not like to pump water from where they are docked into the pools. :(

[Ian David]

4. Okay, that makes sense then. n/t

[Ian David]

2. I hear this was the idea of Congressman Fred Grandy

Hmmmm... I wonder why.