Tanker Slams Light Tower off NYC

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Coast Guard said a light tower off New York City has been substantially damaged by a tanker ship that slammed into it. The agency is urging boaters to steer clear of the Ambrose Light until it can be fixed. The Coast Guard says the tanker Axel Spirit rammed into the 76-foot steel tower damaging its legs. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Annie Berlin says the light is on, but no longer rotating and not reliable. No injuries or pollution have been reported. The Ambrose Light is about 12 miles southeast of Staten Island and about four miles outside the shipping channel to New York City. The channel is marked with other navigation aids. A Coast Guard ship is being sent to set up temporary navigation aids until the light is fixed. [Source: AP]