Fire-hit cruise liner towed to shore

A stricken cruise ship has arrived in San Diego's harbour, three days after an engine room fire left it without power off the Mexican coast.

The 952-foot Carnival Splendour reached port this morning, towed by six tugs and escorted by US Coast Guard cutters.

It is expected to take another two hours to dock and several more before the 4,500 passengers and crew aboard can disembark.

They have been queuing to eat sandwiches and other cold food since the Splendour lost power on Monday during a Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach, California.

US Navy helicopters flew in food and supplies from an aircraft carrier that was diverted from other manoeuvres.