A cruise ship carrying more than 1,000 European passengers ran aground yesterday off the south coast of the Caribbean island of Nevis.

The MS Mistral, operated by the Greek line Festival Cruises, became stuck on a sand bank around 3 am, about 900 feet off shore, according to St. Kitts and Nevis government spokesman Erasmus Williams. The ship was carrying 530 crew and 1,130 passengers, mainly French, German, British and Italian. No passengers were injured.

Crews were working to refloat the vessel and the passengers would stay aboard until divers were able to determine how extensive the damage was, said Major Pat Wallace of the coast guard. If the damage was not extensive, the ship was expected to continue on its journey to Antigua. Although the front of the ship was taking in some water, the leak was located in a watertight bulkhead and was therefore no cause for concern.

The ship was on a weeklong cruise, heading from Dominica to the French island of St. Barthelemy, when it ran aground.