By LASHONNE OUTTEN, Guardian Staff Reporter

lashonne@nasguard.com

A US cruise ship was forced to return to its homeport after the ship's propeller struck the sea floor in Bahamian waters, resulting in an oil spill, it was revealed.

Reportedly, the accident occurred as the cruise ship, 'Celebration,' prepared to dock in The Bahamas on Wednesday . In addition to the oil spill, it was reported that the cruise liner was also damaged as a result of the accident forcing the ship to make an immediate return to Jacksonville, Florida.

According to an Associated Press report Jennifer de la Cruz, spokeswoman for the cruise liner which is owned by Carnival Cruise Lines, said the ship spilled an estimated 200 litres (53 gallons) of lubricating oil into Bahamian waters.

In addition media reports revealed that the ship had to abandon its planned stop in Nassau putting an early end to the vacation of its passengers.

Additional media reports revealed that the United States Coast Guard was alerted after the oil spill and shipboard technicians examined the ship as it made its return to the United States.

Ron Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary in the Department of Environmental Health told The Guardian On Tuesday that he was unaware of the incident and was going to look into the matter.

In 2005 Over 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from the deck of the MV Legacy into the sea at the government dock in Marsh Harbour sparking great concern with local environmentalists. According to international studies, it is likely that roughly one billion gallons of oil enter our oceans each year as a result of man's activities.

Research also indicates that oil spills have a severe impact on marine ecosystems despite attempts made by companies to clean up the area of contamination.